Prolific Thief Sent Back To Prison

A prolific local shoplifter has been returned to jail after pleading guilty to several thefts.

Lisa Willet was serving a suspended prison sentence when she chose to commit further shoplifting offences in Sittingbourne.

On Monday 1st January 2024, she stole laundry products from a store in Gadby Road. Willet returned to the same business a fortnight later where she left without paying for a can of drink. She stole further laundry items from Morrisons in Milton High Street on Sunday 7 January. Two days later Willet took a large quantity of steaks and meat joints from Aldi in East Street without attempting to pay.

Officers were called to Lidl in West Street on Wednesday 17th January, where she had been detained by staff after attempting to steal a number of joints of beef. Willet, of Frederick Street, Sittingbourne was arrested and later charged by investigators from the Swale Victim Based Crime Team with five thefts.

The 44-year-old appeared before Medway Magistrates’ Court on Friday (19th January) and pleaded guilty. She was immediately sentenced to 260 days' imprisonment which included the activation of her suspended sentence.

Inspector Vanessa Foster, of the Swale Community Safety Unit, told SFM News: "Our investigators have ensured another thief who targets our local shops has been charged and sent to prison. We will also be applying to the court for a strict criminal behaviour order banning her from entering a number of businesses when she is released."