On Wednesday 24 January 2024, meat products worth almost £40 were reported stolen at Morrisons in Bligh Way, Strood. Officers were alerted and inspected CCTV footage at the store.
A further incident of shoplifting was notified to Kent Police on Monday 29 January after steaks and other items valued at around £83 were stolen from Aldi in Friary Place, Strood.
An investigation was launched and three days later, food products costing around £12 were allegedly stolen from the same supermarket.
On Tuesday 13 February, police officers were on patrol in Strood High Street when a man was arrested in connection with the incidents.
The man from Rochester was later charged by investigators from the Medway Victim Based Crime Team with three counts of theft. The 46-year-old was remanded in custody to appear before Medway Magistrates’ Court on the following day.