Lena Brown jailed for shoplifting spree across Thanet – defied court ban!
Shoplifter targets Margate, Ramsgate and Broadstairs stores
Lena Brown went on a theft rampage across Broadstairs, Ramsgate, and Margate over just a few weeks in March and April 2021. The 32-year-old blatantly broke her three-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO), which banned her from all retail premises in Thanet linked to the Shop Safe Scheme.
Cosmetics, kids’ toys and meat – Brown’s sticky fingers uncovered
On Saturday 20 March, Brown struck at the Savers store in Margate, grabbing three handfuls of cosmetics. When challenged, she faked innocence by turning out empty pockets. But CCTV caught her hiding the loot on her person.
Fast forward to 1 April, she made a haul from Wilko at Westwood Cross, concealing £90 worth of toiletries in a reusable bag. A member of the public confronted her, forcing Brown to ditch the goods – for now.
Just a week later she was back, swiping children’s toys and laundry detergent before slipping out unnoticed. Staff only spotted the theft after reviewing the CCTV footage.
Then on 10 April, she hit the Co-op in Minster, nicking £80 of groceries—lamb steaks, chicken fillets, cheese, juice, and laundry pods—all stuffed into a shopping bag. A sharp-eyed customer alerted staff and police were called.
Police catch persistent crook – Brown sentenced
Thanet’s Victim Based Crime Team worked quickly to identify and arrest Brown. Charged with four thefts and breaching her CBO, the no fixed address offender admitted her crimes in court.
On 19 July, Canterbury Crown Court sent her down for 16 months. Sergeant Mike Franklin said:
“Criminal Behaviour Orders target persistent nuisance and criminal behaviour with tailored restrictions. Lena Brown ignored her order and kept stealing from Thanet shops. I’m pleased the judge handed down a custodial sentence befitting the seriousness of her actions.”
“Theft is never acceptable. I hope local retailers feel safer knowing Brown is behind bars.”
