Kent Police has reported that shoplifting in Sittingbourne has plummeted by more than 300 offences over the last year.
The latest arrest in the campaign to support retailers took place after officers swiftly responded to an alarm at a local supermarket in Avenue of Remembrance on Wednesday 4 December 2024. As the alarm sounded, two constables spotted a man who had just left the premises and he was stopped and arrested. The officers also seized bottles of whisky and champagne with a combined value of £86.
A man of no fixed address, was later charged with theft. He was also charged with failing to provide a sample for a drug test whilst in custody. The 36 year old was remanded to appear before Medway Magistrates’ Court on the following day.
Chief Inspector Vanessa Foster said:
‘The arrest and charge of this latest suspect follows a clampdown on those who target local shops. Our officers have worked closely with business owners, staff and security teams and we aim to respond swiftly when a theft is reported. Patrols will either arrest an offender at the scene or track them down when they are identified from CCTV footage. We have had a lot of success in this area with multiple offenders arrested, charged and sentenced at court.’