Five Arrested in Canterbury Shoplifting Crackdown
Police in Canterbury hauled in five suspects on Thursday, 11 July 2024, following a spree of recent shoplifting incidents across the district.
Whitstable Duo Nabbed for Food Theft
Nina Roach, 36, and William Jordan, 38, both from Whitstable Road, were charged over stolen supermarket food in the St Dunstan’s area earlier this month. Roach also faced charges for a June shoplifting offence and breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO). Meanwhile, Jordan was charged with theft linked to two earlier incidents in May and June.
After pleading guilty, the pair were slapped with 12-month community orders and ordered to pay compensation at Margate Magistrates’ Court.
More Charges Filed Over Stolen Goods
- Joanne Jones, 48, from Hudson Road, pleaded guilty to stealing alcohol from a city centre outlet on 9 July. Her existing suspended sentence was extended to 18 months, and she was ordered to pay compensation following a court hearing on 12 July.
- Ruth Hillman, 41, of Cornwall Gardens, was charged with stealing cosmetics from a chemist in Herne Bay back in April. She’s been bailed to appear at Margate Magistrates’ Court on 25 July.
A fifth suspect arrested that day was released without charge.
Police Warn Retail Crime Harms Businesses
“We don’t underestimate the damage retail crime does to businesses and we take all reports of shoplifting seriously,” said Canterbury district’s Chief Inspector Paul Stoner. “Business owners should continue to report incidents to us either online or by calling 999 if a crime is in progress.”
Shoplifting in Canterbury is under tight scrutiny as police push back against rising retail theft.
