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Champagne, spirits, and various other goods with a total worth amounting to hundreds of pounds have been recovered by Kent officers following the apprehension of a car linked to a series of shoplifting incidents targeting stores in Maidstone and Edenbridge.
Three women hailing from Greater London were taken into custody subsequent to numerous reports of shop thefts from prominent supermarkets, including Sainsbury’s, Aldi, Waitrose, and Home Bargains.
The Maidstone Community Safety Unit, engaged in proactive patrols, intercepted a suspicious vehicle in Jeffrey Street, Maidstone, around 3 pm on Tuesday, 20 February 2024. A search of the vehicle yielded stolen items including alcohol, groceries, and homeware. Additionally, officers retrieved a black magnetic security tag remover.
The suspects, originating from areas of Croydon and Purley, were apprehended in connection with handling stolen goods and theft offences and were subsequently placed into custody.
They have since been released on bail, albeit with strict conditions, pending further investigations.
PC Ryan Shardlow-Wrest from the West Division Victim-Based Crime Team, the investigating officer, emphasized the heightened efforts to combat out-of-county criminals who venture into Kent intending to pilfer from local businesses. He stressed the adverse impact such activities have on the community, leading to increased costs for everyday items as businesses endeavour to offset losses.
Utilizing advanced technologies such as Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems and collaborating with partner agencies, including the British Transport Police, law enforcement authorities are committed to identifying and disrupting individuals who traverse into towns with the sole intent of engaging in criminal activities.
