Instant prison time for Canterbury thief

A prolific shoplifter who repeatedly targeted the same shop in Canterbury has been jailed within 24 hours of his arrest.

An investigation was opened after it was reported a man had stolen on multiple occasions from Sainsbury’s in St Dunstan Street between April and July 2026. Items taken included around 20 steaks, cleaning products and confectionary worth an estimated £290.

After reviewing hours of CCTV, officers identified Stuart Taylor as the offender and that he was also wanted for breaching a suspended sentence order.  

Arrested

Officers on patrol tracked down and arrested Taylor in Westgate Gardens on Monday 20 July. He was remanded in custody and later charged with 7 shoplifting offences.

The 37 year old, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty at Margate Magistrates' Court on the following day and was immediately sentenced to 30 weeks’ imprisonment.

Police Sargeant Emily Thayre said:

‘This kind of repeat offending has not only a detrimental effect on the businesses targeted but also leads to increased prices for law-abiding customers. Taylor disregarded the conditions placed on him by the court following previous offending and now has to face the consequences.
‘I am pleased that, thanks to the knowledge and quick work of local officers, we were able to quickly identify and arrest him, helping to prevent further offences.’