Josh Kennedy, 31, has been handed an 18-month prison sentence following a relentless string of thefts across the Isle of Sheppey.
The Sheerness local was caught red-handed on February 19, 2026, after attempting to flee a Millennium Way store with a jacket full of chocolate and cleaning supplies. While the final heist totaled just £26.56, subsequent investigations linked Kennedy to nine other thefts dating back to November 2025.
Kennedy appeared at Medway Magistrates’ Court on February 21, where he pleaded guilty to all 10 offences.
Kennedy, was responsible for the following thefts –
- On 21 November 2025, he stole £200 worth of clothing from a store in Sheerness High Street.
- On 7 February 2026, he stole £74.97 worth of shampoo products from a store in Millennium Way, Sheerness.
- On 13 February 2026 he stole £80 worth of laundry products from a convenience store in the High Street.
- On 14 February 2026 he stole £50 worth of shampoo products from a store in Millennium Way and then £89.60 worth of groceries from a supermarket in Bridge Road.
- On 15 February he stole £60 worth of health care products from a store in Millennium Way, Sheerness.
- On 16 February he stole toiletries to the value of £100 from a supermarket in Bridge Road.
- On 17 February he stole meat worth £80 from a convenience store in the High Street.
- On 19 February he stole shampoos to the value of £40.98 from a store in Millennium Way.
Investigating officer Police Sergeant Jon Buckingham said:
‘Shoplifting causes harm beyond the retailers targeted, often leading to higher prices for local residents so businesses can offset their losses.
‘Kent Police is firmly committed to addressing this behaviour, and I welcome the custodial sentence imposed on Kennedy, which reflects the seriousness of his actions.’