Swale Cops Slam Shoplifting Spree: Thieves Nabbed and Locked Up
Swale police have cracked down hard on retail crime, landing multiple shoplifters behind bars in recent weeks. Swift action by neighbourhood officers and sharp investigators has seen offenders quickly caught, charged, and hauled before the courts.
Meat, Cheese, and Laundry – Willet’s Crime Spree
On Sunday, November 3, 2024, Stacey Willet, 23, swiped £50 worth of meat and cheese from the Co-op on Church Road, Murston. Not done there, she hit Morrisons in Milton Regis six days later, nicking £31 of laundry goods.
Willet, from London Road, Sittingbourne, was spotted in a car and arrested on Wednesday, November 13. She pleaded guilty at Medway Magistrates’ Court the next day and was sentenced to 12 weeks behind bars, plus ordered to pay compensation to the shops.
Shop Thief Shelley Earnshaw Gets 100 Days for Assault and Theft
- On Tuesday, November 5, Shelley Earnshaw, 31, of College Road, Sittingbourne, nicked sweets from Tesco in Quartz Way and assaulted a staff member trying to stop her.
- Later that day, she stole five Ted Baker bags worth £250 from Boots on High Street.
- On Monday, November 11, she walked off with £125 of confectionery from Morrisons in Milton Regis.
Earnshaw faced charges for three thefts, one assault, and two breaches of a criminal behaviour order. She pleaded guilty at Medway Magistrates’ Court on Friday, November 15 and was slapped with 100 days in prison.
Work Order for Sheerness Serial Shoplifter Darren McGimpsey
Darren McGimpsey was arrested on Thursday, November 14 after four thefts in shops across Sheerness and Queenborough. Pleading guilty at Medway Magistrates’ Court the following day, he was sentenced to 80 hours unpaid work and must undergo rehabilitation.
McGimpsey was also ordered to pay full compensation to his victims, keeping the pressure on retail thieves.
Police Boss Commends Tough Tackles on Retail Crime
“Our neighbourhood officers know the usual suspects behind retail crime. By working closely with shopkeepers and security, they act fast to detain offenders,” said Chief Inspector Vanessa Foster.
“Our investigation teams ensure these repeat offenders are charged and swiftly brought before magistrates. We also seek criminal orders to keep them out of trouble after prison.”
Police urge shopkeepers and the public to report thefts quickly to help nab culprits and keep Swale’s streets safe.
