Serial shoplifter jailed for 14 months after flouting ban
Repeat Offender Caught Red-Handed
Dougie Frankham, 38, from Cambridge Crescent, Maidstone, has been locked up for 14 months. He repeatedly defied a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) banning him from Maidstone town centre shops.
The CBO was slapped on him in February 2022 by Medway Magistrates’ Court, barring him from all Maidstone stores except three heavily monitored businesses.
Stealing Despite the Ban
Between April and August 2024, Frankham brazenly struck forbidden targets, including:
- Co-op stores on Loose Road and Northumberland Avenue
- Lidl in St Peter’s Street
He made off with alcohol and groceries, often recognised by shop staff despite the court order.
Arrest and Prison Sentence
Frankham was arrested on 13 August 2024, facing multiple shoplifting charges and breaches of his CBO. Pleading guilty, he was held in custody and sentenced on 10 January 2025 at Maidstone Crown Court.
The judge handed down nearly 14 months behind bars for the persistent lawbreaker.
Police Warn of Impact on Businesses
“Frankham is a prolific and unrepentant offender who appears incapable of changing his ways. Shoplifting is never a victimless crime, and thieves like him push prices up and endanger shop staff,” said Chief Inspector Steve Kent.
“We welcome the prison sentence and will keep fighting to protect local businesses and bring criminals to justice.”
Kent Police urges the public and shop workers to report suspicious activity to help stamp out retail crime across the area.
