Suspected Medway shoplifters appear in court
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Patrols and investigators are continuing to tackle retail crime with charges for two suspected Medway shoplifters.
Between Thursday 20 June and Wednesday 3 July 2024, staff members at a petrol station in Maidstone Road, Chatham, reported the theft of multiple food items on four occasions.
The total value of the groceries was £385 and patrols arrested a man shortly after the latest incident.
Tony Cook, of Chalkpit Hill, Chatham, was later charged with four thefts and four counts of breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order.
The 59-year-old appeared before Medway Magistrates’ Court on Friday 5 July. He was remanded to a hearing at Sevenoaks Magistrates' Court on Friday 12 July.
Further incident
In a separate incident, constables on patrol in Rochester arrested a suspected thief after being flagged down by a shop worker.
On Sunday 30 June, a man entered Tesco in Frindsbury Road, where he picked up a number of items before allegedly leaving without paying for them.
He returned to the store around an hour later where it is said he stole food and some alcohol. A member of staff followed him outside and was reportedly assaulted.
A passing patrol was alerted to the incident and arrested a suspect. Louis Foster, 27, of Thornham Road, Gillingham, was later charged with two thefts and assault by beating.
Mr Foster appeared before Medway Magistrates’ Court on Friday 5 July. He was remanded to return to the same court on Friday 12 July.