Kent Police have charged a 36-year-old woman following multiple alleged shoplifting incidents across Medway and Maidstone. Rosemary Ripley was arrested after police responded to reports of theft at a petrol station in Maidstone Road, Chatham, on Tuesday 21 April 2026. The investigation uncovered further incidents at local retail locations, highlighting a suspected theft spree.
Series Of Thefts Reported
Police responded to three separate thefts at a petrol station in Chatham on 21 April. Officers quickly apprehended a suspect nearby. Subsequent inquiries revealed two additional thefts at the same location a day earlier, along with similar offences at Strood Retail Park, The Mall Maidstone, and Medway Street in Chatham during the preceding week.
Alleged Assault During Theft
During one theft incident, the suspect reportedly became aggressive towards a staff member. This led to an additional charge of common assault being brought alongside multiple theft allegations.
Charges And Court Appearances
Rosemary Ripley from Radnor Close, Maidstone, faces 13 counts of theft and one charge of common assault. She denied all allegations at Medway Magistrates’ Court on 23 April. The defendant was remanded in custody and is due to appear next at Sevenoaks Magistrates’ Court on 1 May.
Police Appeal For Witnesses
Kent Police continue to investigate the incidents and are appealing for anyone with information about the thefts or related events to come forward to assist with the enquiries.
