Between 1 August 2019 and 16 June 2021, Paul McMullen targeted shops in #Rochester, #Sittingbourne, #Bexleyheath, and #Gravesend.
During the thefts he would use tools to force open the cash tills, and he stole more than £1,500 during the course of his offending.
He was arrested after officers identified him through CCTV on 16 June 2021, when he stole from a large store in Ilford. Further enquiries were then carried out and he was identified as being the offender responsible for the other thefts and he was subsequently charged.
McMullen, of Fencepiece Road, Ilford, was sentenced to one year and six months in jail after he admitted seven charges of theft. Six further charges were ordered to lie on file.
He was jailed at Maidstone Crown Court on Tuesday 7 December 2021.
Investigating officer PC Harry Groves from the Chief Constables Crime Squad said: ‘McMullen was brazen in his offending with the majority of his offences being committed during the day. He targeted stores where he felt he could steal a large quantity of money.
‘McMullen was also charged with six burglaries which related to the same businesses where the thefts occurred, however these were ordered to lie on file. Stealing from large businesses is not a victimless crime and his custodial sentencing is justified.’
