More than 30 shoplifting charges secured in east Kent crackdown

More than 30 charges have been secured in four days as officers in east Kent continue to crack down on shoplifting.

Several thefts - worth more than £1500 - were reported at Tesco in Folkestone, Dover and Faversham, and Waitrose in Hythe, between May and August 2025.

John-ross Cosier, of Sunshine Corner Avenue, Canterbury, was arrested on Monday 13 October 2025, and later charged in relation to 13 thefts. The 38-year-old was bailed to appear before Folkestone Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 6 November.

In a separate investigation, an arrest was made on Wednesday 15 October after reports were received of shoplifting at the Co-op in Island Road, Canterbury, between August and September. Stephen Clarke, 36, of The Avenue, Hersden, was later charged with eight counts of theft.

Mr Clarke was remanded to appear before Margate magistrates on Thursday 16 October.

Officers also brought 10 charges against Alexander Horey, 31, of Botany Road, Broadstairs on 16 October. It followed an investigation into shoplifting from supermarkets in Herne Bay and Margate between 6 August and 11 October. Items worth a total of around £1,000 were reportedly stolen.

Mr Horey was remanded in custody to appear before Margate Magistrates’ Court on Friday 17 October.

Police Sergeant Katie Townsend said: 'Shoplifting is never a victimless crime and we do not underestimate the damaging impact it has on businesses and communities that are targeted. Tackling retail crime is a responsibility that we take seriously, and business owners should continue to report incidents to us, either online or by calling 999 if a crime is in progress. This helps us to identify trends and ensure incidents are dealt with promptly and robustly.'