Knife-Wielding Thief Terrorises Gillingham Shop Staff
Armed Robbery Shocks Sturdee Avenue
Kye Hooper sparked panic at a Gillingham shop on Sturdee Avenue when he pulled a knife on staff during a robbery at 10.44pm on Tuesday 15 February 2022. The 35-year-old casually grabbed alcohol, bread, and pasta before abruptly brandishing a blade at a cashier’s face as items were being scanned.
Knife Threats Continue as Hooper Flees
Not stopping there, Hooper used the knife to threaten other employees as he stormed out with the stolen goods. The brazen attack left shop workers shaken and local police scrambling.
Swift Police Action Leads to Arrest
- Officers quickly reviewed CCTV footage to identify Hooper.
- He was arrested the very next day, 16 February, on suspicion of robbery and carrying a bladed weapon in public.
- The charges were soon formalised, bringing Hooper into legal custody.
Jail Time for Armed Thief
At Maidstone Crown Court on 17 March, Hooper, from Third Avenue, Gillingham, pled guilty. He was sentenced to four years and one month behind bars.
“Hooper was motivated by his own greed and used a weapon in a public place to inflict fear towards the victim, not caring about the long-lasting impact his actions could cause,” said PC Ben Slocombe of the Chief’s Constable’s Crime Squad.
“Following the incident, he was quickly identified by another officer and arrested the following day.”
