West Kent officers continue crackdown on shoplifting

A shoplifter a judge described as showing a ‘flagrant disregard for court orders’ has been jailed following an ongoing crackdown on shop thefts in west Kent.

On 21 September 2026, Ryan Brook entered Asda in London Road, Swanley, despite being the subject of a Criminal Behaviour Order prohibiting him from entering any Asda or Co-op store in England.

The 37 year old was caught on CCTV taking 7 bottles of alcohol, worth £182, and leaving the premises via a staff exit without paying.

Brook, of Cumbrian Avenue in Bexleyheath, was positively identified by a local security officer and subsequently arrested.

Sentenced

He was later charged with theft and breaching his Criminal Behaviour Order.

He pleaded guilty to the offences at Sevenoaks Magistrates’ Court on 28 September and was sentenced to 18 weeks’ imprisonment.

On 27 September, patrols saw Dean Lewis enter the Esso Service Station on Eridge Road, Tunbridge Wells, and take a can of alcohol before leaving without paying.

The suspect was immediately arrested and the stolen item seized, alongside a broken glass bottle neck, a screwdriver, and a large kitchen knife.

Convicted

Lewis was later charged with theft, possession of an offensive weapon and possession of a bladed article.

The 43 year old, of no fixed address, appeared before Sevenoaks Magistrates’ Court on 1 October, where he pleaded guilty to the offences.

He has since been remanded to custody pending a sentencing hearing at the same court on 15 October.

Prolific offending

Police Sergeant Nick Bottle said:

‘Our officers continue to develop positive working relationships with security teams and partner agencies, promoting regular communication and information sharing around repeat offenders. ‘This enables us to identify prolific shoplifters more effectively, coordinate enforcement opportunities, and provide reassurance to staff. ‘By maintaining regular contact and supporting crime prevention initiatives, we are better able to reduce retail crime and protect both employees and customers.’