Nine charges secured during a crackdown on shoplifting in west Kent

Ongoing efforts to crack down on shoplifting have resulted in officers successfully securing nine charges against two suspects and arresting another person.

A recent focus on shoplifting in west Kent has seen suspects being arrested and charged, as well as those breaching pre-existing Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBOs) from prior convictions being remanded to custody.

Breach

Between 6 and 29 August 2024, emergency call handlers received reports of a man entering Rymans, Space NK, and Hoopers in Tunbridge Wells. The suspect allegedly took beauty products from one of the stores and was reportedly ejected from the other two due to an existing CBO, banning him from entering the premises.

Tommy Robertson, 59, of London Road, has since been charged with theft and two counts of breaching a CBO.

He appeared before Sevenoaks Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 4 September, and has been remanded in custody pending a further hearing at the same court on 2 October.

Charged

Kent Police further detained a man in connection with five incidents of shoplifting, alleged to have occurred between 4 and 29 August.

The suspect is reported to have repeatedly targeted the BP garage in St John’s Road and Tesco in Grosvenor Road, Tunbridge Wells, taking groceries each time.

Buddy Jarrett, 31, of Culverden Park, was later charged with five counts of theft.

He appeared before Sevenoaks Magistrates’ Court on 3 September, where he was remanded in custody pending a further hearing at Maidstone Crown Court later this month.

Arrested

Furthermore, a man was arrested on 5 September in connection with a report of theft from Boots in King Street, Maidstone, whereby 17 pairs of sunglasses, with a combined value of approximately £850, were stolen.

Joe Hedges, 30, of The Street, Halling, has since been charged with theft and remanded in custody pending a hearing on Tuesday 15 October.