Two offenders remanded following Maidstone thefts

Ongoing efforts to crackdown on shoplifting in Maidstone have resulted in two suspects being charged and remanded.

Kent Police was called just before 4pm on Sunday 11 February 2024 to a report of theft from the Co-op store in Ashford Road, Harrietsham. A woman entered the shop on two occasions between 3.20pm and 3.40pm and stole £300 of confectionary.

Officers attended and arrested Sharna Steady, who was later charged with two counts of shoplifting.

Steady, of Mangravet Avenue, Maidstone, pleaded guilty at Medway Magistrates’ Court on Monday 12 February. The 33-year-old has since been remanded in custody pending sentencing at Maidstone Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 27 February.

Prolific offending

In Maidstone, officers investigating a number of thefts that occurred between 2 November 2023 and 15 January 2024, identified a suspect.

On Saturday 10 February, patrols arrested a man in connection with allegations that items with a combined value of nearly £1,000 had been stolen.

Luke Ransome, of Captain's Close, Sutton Valence, appeared before Medway Magistrates’ Court on Monday 12 February, where he pleaded guilty to seven counts of shoplifting. The 45-year-old was remanded in custody and will be sentenced at the same court on Wednesday 21 February.

Local Policing Chief Inspector, Mark McLellan, said:

‘Focused efforts by local policing teams have seen more and more repeat shoplifting offenders being brought before the courts. ‘As a force, we recognise the impact of shoplifting not only on the businesses affected, but on the wider community who see the cost of everyday items go up as a result.‘I continue to urge members of public who witness thefts to report them, so that we can continue to crackdown on crime in our high streets.’