A prolific shop thief who repeatedly ignored a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) banning him from Maidstone town centre stores has been jailed for over a year.
Repeat Offender
- Dougie Frankham, 38, of %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_0%% Crescent, Maidstone, was sentenced to 14 months in prison after breaching his CBO on multiple occasions.
- The CBO, issued in February 2022 by %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_1%% Magistrates' Court, prohibited him from entering any shop in Maidstone except for three monitored businesses.
Crimes Committed
Between April and August 2024, Frankham targeted prohibited stores, including:
- Co-op premises in %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_2%% Road and Northumberland Avenue
- Lidl in St Peter's %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_3%%
He stole items such as alcohol and groceries, often being recognised by staff despite the %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_4%% order.
Arrest and Sentencing
- Frankham was arrested on 13 August 2024 and charged with multiple counts of shoplifting and CBO breaches.
- He pleaded guilty before magistrates and was remanded in custody.
- On 10 January 2025, he was sentenced to nearly 14 months' imprisonment at %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_5%% Crown Court.
Police Statement
Chief Inspector Steve %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_6%% commented:
"Frankham is a prolific and unrepentant offender who appears incapable of changing his ways. Shoplifting is never a victimless %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_7%%, and the actions of relentless thieves like him ultimately lead to higher prices for customers and unsafe conditions for shop staff.
"We welcome this %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_8%% sentence and remain determined to protect our local businesses, bring criminals like Frankham before the courts, and ensure they are held accountable for their actions."
%%UKNIP_ANCHOR_9%% continues to work closely with businesses to combat retail crime and urges shop staff and the public to report any suspicious activity.
