Crackdown On Swale Shoplifters

Shoplifters in Swale have been arrested as part of a crackdown in the run up to Christmas.

Officers have been focusing their foot patrols in Sittingbourne town centre to locate and deter offenders and as well as targeting shoplifters, the foot patrols are also being carried out to help deter people from committing offences of criminal damage, violence and theft from vehicles.

Chief Inspector Tony Henley, District Commander for Swale, told SFM's Roger Wrapson: "Since mid-November local policing officers have been targeting their patrols in town centres, which are often busier in the run up to Christmas. The foot patrols allow police to provide additional support to those working in the town centres and reassurance to people out enjoying the festive season. The targeted work has already seen a number of shoplifters being arrested. One offender was sent to prison for stealing razors - a warning to opportunist thieves of the consequences of breaking the law. This time of year often sees more people making the most of pubs, bars and clubs in the town centres. Alcohol reduces inhibitions and makes people more likely to do things out of the ordinary. The targeted work is also being carried out to help deter people from getting into violent situations and committing a crime".

Chief Inspector Henley added: "we want people to have fun, but also to get home safely. Avoid spending a night in a cell, or even at hospital, and drink responsibly."

Results so far:

• A man from Sittingbourne has been given a suspended prison sentenced after stealing a bottle of alcohol. Glenn David Butler, aged 44, of Woodberry Drive, Murston, was charged with shoplifting and obstructing/resisting an officer in the execution of their duty after a bottle of vodka worth £13.99 was stolen from a supermarket in Sittingbourne on Monday 1st December. Butler appeared at Medway Magistrates' Court on Tuesday 2nd December where he pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 30 days in prison, suspended for 12 months.
• A woman is due to appear at court following shoplifting offences in Sittingbourne. Danielle Goskie, aged 33, of Vicarage Road in Milton Regis, has been charged with four counts of shoplifting and one count of attempted shoplifting. She is due to appear at Maidstone Magistrates' Court on Tuesday (16th December).
• On 22 November Danhi Smith, aged 20, previously of Murston Road, was charged with shoplifting after an incident in Sittingbourne on Thursday 20th November. He appeared at Medway Magistrates' Court on Saturday 22nd November where he was remanded to appear at court at a later date.
• On 25 November, a 20-year-old man from Sittingbourne was cautioned after stealing headphones from a supermarket on Bridge Road in Sheerness, on Wednesday 19th November. 

If you own a business you can get advice on how you can help protect your business from criminals by visiting www.kent.police.uk and select ‘Advice and licences' and then ‘Businesses'.

Swale Safe is a business crime reduction partnership which links town centre businesses, Swale Borough Council and Kent Police via radio, allowing them to share information on criminal activity. For more information please visit www.swalesafe.co.uk.