Man Arrested After Spate of Thefts and Assaults in Gravesend
A Gravesend man faces a slew of charges after a string of shoplifting incidents that rattled local stores earlier this month. Between 7 and 8 April 2025, several shops reported stolen goods including meat, cheese, and alcohol worth nearly £220. The thefts turned violent when two staff members were assaulted trying to stop the thief—one even had their glasses damaged in the scuffle.
Lamb Theft Sparks Police Arrest
The trouble didn’t stop there. On 9 April, another shop worker was threatened during the theft of £130 worth of lamb. Police responded immediately and arrested a suspect at the scene.
That suspect, Satnam Awjala, 38, from Beresford Road, Gravesend, is also accused of assaulting a police officer and spitting on a police vehicle while being taken into custody.
String of Charges Laid Against Suspect
- Four counts of theft
- Three counts of assault
- One count of assaulting an emergency worker
- Two counts of criminal damage
Awjala was remanded in custody before appearing at Medway Magistrates’ Court on 11 April. He has since been granted conditional bail and is due back at Sevenoaks Magistrates’ Court on 28 May.
Kent Police Vow Tough Action
“Shopworkers and emergency services should never be subjected to violence or threats in the course of their duties. We are committed to taking swift and robust action against those who commit such offences.” – Kent Police spokesperson
The investigation is ongoing, with officers reviewing CCTV footage and gathering witness statements from affected businesses.
