The campaign to prevent retail crime in Medway has continued with an immediate prison sentence for a prolific thief and multiple charges for another suspect. Neighbourhood officers have been working closely with investigators in the town’s Victim Based Crime Team to ensure businesses receive a prompt response to reported thefts and suspects are swiftly charged when appropriate.
Between Sunday 17 March and Tuesday 19 March 2024, Louis Foster stole large quantities of wine from a store in Luton Road, Chatham on four occasions. The value of the items was £291 and officers recognised Foster after reviewing CCTV at the premises. On Wednesday 3 April, he was located and arrested in Institute Road. The constables also seized a knife from his waistband. Foster, of High Street, Chatham was later charged with four counts of theft and possession of a knife in a public place. The 26-year-old pleaded guilty to all the indictments at his first hearing before Medway Magistrates’ Court on Friday 5 April. He was immediately jailed for six months and required to pay £291 in compensation.
In a separate investigation, between Friday 15 March and Thursday 4 April, staff members at a shop in Maidstone Road, Chatham reported several incidents of theft. Meat, dairy products and other items were allegedly stolen with a total value of around £330. Officers from the town’s neighbourhood policing team completed enquiries into the incidents and arrested a suspect on Thursday 4 April. Lee Swift, of High Street, Chatham was later charged by investigators from the Medway Victim Based Crime Team with nine counts of theft. The 45-year-old was conditionally bailed to a hearing at Maidstone Crown Court on 10 May.
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