Suspected thieves charged - Swanley and Tunbridge Wells

The campaign to protect west Kent shops from retail crime has continued with charges for three women.

Frankie Schock and Jessica Cook went to Asda in Swanley High Street on two occasions in late October 2024, and stole goods with a total value of £210.49.

The women were arrested by officers on Friday 25 October. Schock, of Crowhurst Way, Orpington, and Cook, of Rookery Gardens, Orpington, were later charged with two thefts.

Schock was also charged with stealing items worth £81.20 in September, at the same location.

Court appearance

Both women appeared before Medway Magistrates’ Court on Monday 28 October where they pleaded guilty.

Cook, 46, was remanded in custody to a hearing at Bromley Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 31 October. Schock, 37, was conditionally bailed to the same hearing.

In a separate investigation, Tunbridge Wells officers received reports of multiple thefts in the town during September and October.

Shops including BP petrol stations, Marks and Spencer and Costcutter were targeted for alcohol and food items costing around £180.

Further arrest 

The incidents were investigated and, on Friday 25 October, a woman was arrested and taken into custody.

Jessica Winter, of Camden Road, Tunbridge Wells, was charged with nine thefts. The 35-year-old appeared before Medway Magistrates’ Court on the following day, where she was remanded to a hearing at the same court on Friday 1 November.