Eight charges secured against suspected Canterbury shoplifter

A suspected shoplifter has been charged with 8 offences following an investigation by officers in Canterbury.

Thefts were reported from the city’s branch of TX Maxx, Aldi on Sturry Road, Tesco Express in Herne Bay and Sainsbury’s in Whitstable on four occasions between 5 June and 13 June 2026.

Two assaults were also alleged to have taken place, including threats to a security guard, and a member of the public who attempted to intervene.

Investigation

Clothes, meat and alcohol were amongst the goods reported to have been stolen.

Enquiries were completed and on Monday 27 July, officers made an arrest.

Charges secured

The following day, Connor Jones, of Shelley Avenue, Canterbury was charged with four counts of theft and two counts of assault.

He was also charged with a public order offence, in relation to a disturbance involving a group of people at Northgate car park on 24 July, and with racially aggravated harassment regarding comments reportedly made to a police officer in custody.

Mr Jones, 38, appeared before Margate magistrates on Tuesday 28 July and was remanded in custody to the same court on 4 August.