Plain clothes and uniformed officers from the city’s Neighbourhood Policing Teams carried out operations between Monday 16 and Sunday 22 October 2023 to target thieves.
They worked with shops and stores in Canterbury High Street, Sturry Road, Whitstable and Herne Bay to identify shoplifters and arrest those involved.
A total of nine arrests were made over the seven days, which coincided with Safer Business Action Week, a nationwide week of action coordinated by the National Business Crime Centre.
As well as arresting suspects, officers worked with stores to give advice on how to prevent thefts and best practices to assist investigating officers if they do take place.
Inspector Paul Stoner, of Canterbury Community Safety Unit, said: ‘My officers are determined to protect shops and other businesses around the district from the attention of persistent thieves.
‘A week of working with shops has seen us offering advice to staff, gathering evidence and arresting and charging those suspected of stealing.
This work is always ongoing, with officers from our Beat Team and Neighbourhood Task Force continuing to identify and track down repeat offenders.
Following the work:
• Danny Myers, 47, of River View, Canterbury, has been charged with the theft of items from a store in Marshwood Close and bailed to appear at court next month.
• Steven McGinty, 36, of Little Chequers, Ashford, has been charged with the theft of alcohol and clothing from stores in Canterbury. He will appear at court this week.
• Josh Norton, 37, of no fixed address, has been charged with two thefts from a supermarket in Oxford Street, Whitstable, and was bailed to appear at court next month.
• Joshua Phillips, 23, of Penshurst Close, Canterbury, has been charged with the theft of multiple items from stores near Sturry Road. He will also appear before magistrates’ next month.
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