Gillingham shoplifter detained by off duty officer

An off duty Kent Police officer stepped in to help staff after a shoplifting incident in Gillingham.

At around 3.50pm on Monday 8 June 2026, PC Alice O’Brien was filling up her car at a petrol station on Beechings Way when she noticed an altercation taking place.

Nicholas Noble had entered the petrol station and began placing items including Solero ice lollies, a Snickers ice cream bar, Mini Milk lollies and bacon into a carrier bag.

Altercation

Attempting to leave the shop, a staff member confronted Noble, 45, leading to a struggle over the bag.

PC O’Brien stated she was an off duty officer and began assisting the employee.

During the minute long effort, another member of the public removed a knife from Noble’s waistband.

PC O’Brien’s colleague was on duty at the time and, with the man subdued, she called him to request assistance.

Noble, of Hazlemere Drive, Gillingham, was arrested for shoplifting and possession of an offensive weapon.

Court

At Medway Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 16 June 2026, he pleaded guilty to all charges and a further count of resisting an officer in their duty.

He was sentenced to six months in prison, with a further six added for a separate case totalling 12 months’ imprisonment.

PC O’Brien said:

‘I did what any of my colleagues would do, which is help members of the public who are in potential danger. ‘When I saw them get violent, I knew I had to step in. The staff member and member of public who assisted were absolute superstars, and I'm so lucky one of them spotted and removed the knife otherwise the incident could have had far more serious consequences. 'Learning afterwards that he had a previous conviction made me even more glad that I got involved and we managed to hold him there until he could be formally arrested. 'The Medway community and its businesses are safer now that Noble is behind bars.'