Medway Magistrates’ Court
Focused investigations into retail theft in Swale have led to multiple court appearances for suspected shoplifters.
On Monday, June 30, 2025, officers in Sittingbourne responded to a report of a gin theft from Sainsbury’s. A suspect was quickly apprehended in the town center with the stolen item and its security tag still attached. The individual was arrested and later charged with theft and criminal damage after spitting on a police vehicle. The following day, the 45-year-old pleaded guilty at Medway Magistrates’ Court and was sentenced to 16 weeks’ imprisonment, along with an order to pay compensation and costs.
In a separate investigation, authorities received reports of nearly £200 worth of food, laundry items, and cleaning products stolen from various shops in Sheerness, including Co-op, Savers, and Home Bargains, over several days at the end of June. A suspect was arrested on June 30 and subsequently charged with five counts of theft. The 29-year-old was conditionally bailed for a hearing on Friday, August 8.
Also on June 30, a Swale resident was arrested following the alleged theft of a duvet from Asda in Chatham. The 37-year-old was charged with theft and additionally with driving without insurance, leading to the seizure of the vehicle. The individual appeared before Medway Magistrates’ Court and was conditionally bailed until Friday, July 25.
Chief Inspector Julia Bassindale said:
‘We are determined to protect our local retailers and will swiftly arrest suspects that are identified during our investigations. Where there is sufficient evidence, we will seek to charge those we detain and ensure they appear before the court at the earliest opportunity.
‘This focus on shoplifting has led to 98 charges for suspects in the last three months. This enforcement will continue and criminals thinking of targeting our local shops should think again.’