Jail for robber who targeted Folkestone supermarkets

A robber who targeted two Folkestone supermarkets on three occasions in one month has been jailed.

Melissa Goldstone, 42, pleaded guilty to four offences before Canterbury Crown Court.

Trolley of stolen goods

Kent Police was alerted to Goldstone’s offending following an incident at Sainsbury’s, Park Farm, on 13 July 2026. Goldstone had attempted to leave the premises with a trolley full of unpaid items.

When challenged on the attempted theft, she threatened to stab her victim with a needle before leaving the area. The goods were later recovered.

Further incidents

The following week, Goldstone returned to the store and made a further attempt to steal. She threatened to stab a security guard who had approached her, before leaving with alcohol and cleaning products.

On 22 July, at Tesco on Dover Road, Goldstone concealed items in a shopping bag and made multiple threats of harm to a shop worker before fleeing from the scene.

Charges secured

Officers attended and she was arrested a short while later.

Enquiries were completed into the incidents and she was charged the next day with three counts of robbery and assaulting an emergency worker.

Jailed

After admitting all of the offences, Goldstone, of no fixed address, was sentenced at the same court on Wednesday 7 October to three years in prison.

Investigating officer, PC Samuel Glennie, said: ‘These were brazen offences in which Goldstone repeatedly targeted local supermarkets and resorted to vicious threats when staff tried to intervene. This persistent offender showed a clear disregard for her victims and for the law, and a custodial sentence is entirely appropriate. ‘Nobody should face threats or intimidation simply for doing their job. We are determined to bring those who commit retail crime to justice and will continue working relentlessly to ensure those responsible are identified and brought before the courts.’