Maidstone shop thief who ignored town centre ban jailed

A prolific shop thief has been jailed for more than a year after ignoring a court order which banned him from entering town centre stores in Maidstone.

Dougie Frankham repeatedly breached a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) designed to restrict his movements and which only allowed him access to a handful of closely monitored retailers.

The CBO was passed by Medway Magistrates’ Court in February 2022 and excluded Frankham from entering any shop in Maidstone, other than three designated businesses.

However, between April and August 2024, Frankham was recognised by staff visiting prohibited stores including Co-op premises in Loose Road and Northumberland Avenue, as well as Lidl in St Peter’s Street.

He targeted these businesses to steal alcohol and groceries. Frankham was arrested again on 13 August and faced multiple charges linked to shoplifting and breaches of his CBO.

The 38-year-old of Cambridge Crescent, Maidstone pleaded guilty before magistrates and was remanded in custody.

On 10 January 2025, Frankham was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court to almost 14 months’ imprisonment.

Protecting businesses

Chief Inspector Steve Kent said:

‘Frankham is a prolific and unrepentant offender who appears incapable of changing his ways. Shoplifting is never a victimless crime and the actions of relentless thieves like him ultimately lead to law abiding customers paying higher prices, and shop staff feeling unsafe and anxious. 'We welcome this prison sentence and remain determined to protect our local businesses and bring criminals like Frankham before the courts and ensure they are held accountable for their actions.’