North Kent Police Crack Down on Shoplifters with Three Arrests in Weeks
North Kent cops are hitting back hard against shop theft, arresting and charging three suspects in recent weeks. Their swift action sends a strong message: crime against local businesses won’t be tolerated.
Shoplifting Turns Nasty in Dartford
On 25 September, Lisa Kivlehan, 38, from Dartford, swiped four bottles of booze from a shop on London Road. When staff tried to stop her, she BIT a worker’s arm and bolted. Police caught her on 15 October. At Sevenoaks Magistrates’ Court the next day, Kivlehan pleaded guilty to theft and assault and got slammed with 180 days in jail, activating a suspended sentence.
Repeat Shoplifter Nabbed After Quick Turnaround
Naomi Denton-Younger, 33, from Dartford again, struck twice at the same Sainsbury’s on Priory Road. First on 14 October, she nicked food. Then just two days later, she swiped a whisky bottle. Officers were on patrol and didn’t waste time chasing her down. She admitted two counts of theft at Medway Magistrates’ Court on 17 October and was bailed ahead of a December hearing.
Gravesend Man Charged After Looting Co-op
On 17 October, Lewis Flint, 31, a man with no fixed address, was caught stealing a crate of alcohol from the Co-op in East Milton Road, Gravesend. Police arrested Flint on Queens Road and charged him with theft. He’s been bailed to appear at Medway Magistrates’ Court on 1 November.
Police Vow to Protect Local Businesses
“Retail theft hits profits and forces honest shoppers to pay more,” said Chief Inspector Lee Cheesman. “It also causes real distress to shop workers. We’re committed to tracking down and detaining suspects quickly.”
Kent Police are teaming up with local businesses and communities, stepping up efforts to cut retail crime and support shop staff. The message is clear: if you steal, you WILL face justice.
