Drunken Thief Nabbed With Rucksack Full of Booze on the Run
Stephen Harrison was caught red-handed trying to flee High Brooms station with a rucksack stuffed with stolen booze. Police stopped him on Monday 17 June 2024 and found eight bottles of spirits inside his bag.
Repeat Offender Hits Sainsbury’s and Waitrose for Over £800 of Goods
The 35-year-old, who has no fixed address, had been on a shoplifting spree across Tonbridge, targeting Sainsbury’s and Waitrose stores. His stolen haul was valued at more than £800. Harrison faced Sevenoaks Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 18 June.
He pleaded guilty to three counts of theft and was immediately slapped with a six-month prison sentence. This included activating a previous suspended jail term for other shoplifting offences.
Another Shoplifter Busted for Pinching Red Bull and Trying to Steal from Car
William Quinsey was also caught and convicted in a separate case. On 22 May, Quinsey raided a Co-op on Holborough Road and stole several boxes of Red Bull energy drinks.
On Wednesday 19 June, Quinsey, 27, of Bramley Road, Snodland, pleaded guilty at Sevenoaks Magistrates’ Court to theft and admitted interfering with a motor vehicle during a failed car break-in on 8 June. He faces another hearing on 30 August.
Police Crack Down on Shoplifting with Nearly 130 Charges This Year
Chief Inspector Stuart Paul said: “Between January and May this year, officers across Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells have successfully brought almost 130 charges against shoplifters.
“These prosecutions help us evidence patterns of offending behaviour, which can also be used in court to apply for criminal behaviour orders and help us crack down even further on the most persistent and prolific thieves. We recognise that shoplifting is not a low-level crime. It can have a detrimental effect on staff who are exposed to threats and abuse, and I do hope retailers can have confidence that our work is having a positive impact.”
