Efforts by Swale police officers to crack down on retail theft have led to the arrests and imprisonment of multiple shoplifters in recent weeks. The swift actions of neighbourhood officers and dedicated investigators have resulted in several offenders being charged and brought before the courts.
Case 1: Meat and Cheese Theft
On Sunday, November 3, 2024, Stacey Willet, 23, entered the Co-op in Church Road, Murston, and stole £50 worth of meat and cheese. She struck again six days later, stealing £31 worth of laundry items from Morrisons in Milton Regis.
Willet, of London Road, Sittingbourne, was arrested on Wednesday, November 13 after being spotted in a car by a local officer. She pleaded guilty to both thefts at Medway Magistrates’ Court the following day. She was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison and ordered to pay compensation to the stores.
Case 2: Assault and Theft
Shelley Earnshaw, 31, of College Road, Sittingbourne, was arrested after a string of thefts and an assault.
- On Tuesday, November 5, she stole confectionery from Tesco in Quartz Way and assaulted a shop worker attempting to stop her.
- The same day, she stole five Ted Baker bags worth £250 from Boots on the High Street.
- On Monday, November 11, she took £125 worth of confectionery from Morrisons in Milton Regis.
Earnshaw was charged with 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 sentenced to 100 days in prison.
Case 3: Multiple Thefts in Sheerness
On Thursday, November 14, Darren McGimpsey was arrested following four thefts at shops in Sheerness and Queenborough. He pleaded guilty at Medway Magistrates’ Court the following day and was sentenced to 80 hours of unpaid work and required to undergo rehabilitation activity. McGimpsey was also ordered to pay full compensation to his victims.
Police Commitment to Reducing Retail Crime
Chief Inspector Vanessa Foster praised the work of the neighbourhood and investigation teams:
“Our neighbourhood officers are aware of those who persistently commit retail crime on their beat. Working with local shopkeepers and security staff, they are able to respond swiftly when offences happen and detain offenders.
“Once arrested, our investigation teams ensure prolific offenders are charged and immediately brought before magistrates. They also seek criminal orders to restrict the activities of these thieves after their release from prison.”
Police continue to urge retailers and the public to report incidents of theft promptly to aid in the swift apprehension of offenders.
