Over 20 charges secured in 48 hours by Canterbury officers

An ongoing crackdown on crime in the city centre resulted in officers from Canterbury making 16 arrests and securing 28 charges in a single weekend.

Kent Police officers carrying out routine foot patrols in the city centre arrested a number of wanted suspects and acted on intelligence linked to recent reports of crime. A significant proportion of the arrests related to shop theft, resulting in 18 charges being authorised.

Shoplifting 

Among those charged was Harvey Matthews, 28, who was arrested and charged in connection with multiple alleged thefts of more than £120 worth of goods from businesses across the city. During his arrest, officers reportedly found him in possession of pepper spray, leading to an additional charge of possession of a weapon. He was charged the following day and is next due to appear at Margate Magistrates' Court on 4 December.

Ali Mirzai, 32, was also swiftly charged with four offences after he breached the conditions of his Criminal Behaviour Order on two occasions by entering Canterbury, as well as committing two thefts from Sainsbury’s and Tesco stores. He was remanded in custody and appeared before Margate Magistrates’ Court the following day, where he pled guilty and received a 12-month suspended sentence.

Officers from Canterbury’s Neighbourhood Policing Team worked hand in hand with the Victim Based Crime Team in order to progress the charges rapidly, and bring suspects before the court at the earliest opportunity.

Chief Inspector Paul Stoner, Canterbury district commander, said:

‘My officers work around the clock to keep Canterbury a safe place for residents and visitors to enjoy. The significant number of arrests and charges secured over the weekend is testament to their dedication and knowledge of local offenders.  ‘If you come to Canterbury intending to commit crime, our policing teams will do everything possible to bring you before the courts and will always push for the strongest possible outcome.’