More than 40 suspects charged in Maidstone as drive to tackle shoplifting continues

More than 40 suspected shoplifters have been charged in the first month of the year by officers dedicated to keeping Maidstone safe.

Patrols have continued to crack down on thieves in the town centre, as well as in surrounding rural areas, resulting in 12 more charges in January, compared to the same time last year.

During this period there were 138 reports of thefts from shops, with officers charging 41 people with multiple offences.

These included multiple reports of shoplifting from a Co-op store in Northumberland Road, Lenham. It is alleged a man repeatedly entered the store and concealed various groceries before leaving without paying.

Lee Hartigan, 44, of Suffolk Road, Maidstone, was arrested and later charged with six counts of theft. He is bailed to appear at Maidstone Magistrates’ Court on 31 March.

Robust enforcement 

Proactive patrols are continuing to achieve positive results this month. At around 5pm on Tuesday 11 February, officers in Staplehurst spotted a suspicious vehicle.

When it stopped in Weld Close, officers approached the car and a search led to the seizure of power tools and electrical goods, suspected to be stolen from a Lidl in Farleigh Hill, Maidstone

Five people were arrested, of which two teenagers were issued community resolution orders stipulating they write formal apologies to the store and do not enter the shop for six months.

Three men are currently bailed, pending further enquiries.

Chief Inspector Stuart Paul said:

‘Shoplifting has a far-reaching impact on the community, beyond the effect on business owners’ profit margins. Consistent repeat offending drives up prices for customers, and even leads to job losses, as stores try to recoup costs. ‘Maidstone officers have developed proactive policing initiatives to ensure that offenders are identified, located, and robustly dealt with in a timely manner. ‘Higher visibility in the town centre and proactive patrols in rural areas have also led to better rates of success in cracking down on shop thefts.’