Swale shoplifter immediately jailed by court

A prolific thief has received swift justice after targeting the same two Sittingbourne shops multiple times over a short period.

Between Wednesday 11 September and Wednesday 18 September 2024, Rebecca Lee went to Morrisons in Milton Regis High Street and stole food, cleaning products and toiletries on seven separate occasions.

Over the same period, she went to Marks and Spencer in Mill Way and stole multiple packs of meat.

The total value of the thefts was estimated to be more than £900 and investigators identified the offender after reviewing CCTV footage at the premises.

Arrested

Lee, of no fixed address, was then tracked down in Newbridge Avenue on Wednesday 18 September and arrested.

The 43-year-old was charged and pleaded guilty to the nine thefts on her appearance before Medway Magistrates’ Court, on the following day. She was immediately jailed for four months.

Chief Inspector Allen Searle said:

‘Our officers are focused on protecting retailers from these criminals who can have such a detrimental effect on local businesses. Neighbourhood constables are quick to identify those responsible for these crimes and will work closely with our investigation teams to place the suspects before the courts at the earliest opportunity.
'Lee is now behind bars and she can be certain our officers will detain her promptly should she choose to reoffend on her release from prison.’