Serial Shoplifter Jailed and Banned from Medway Shops
Notorious thief Ross Collins has been locked up and slapped with a five-year ban from major Medway stores after a fresh spree of stealing.
£110 Meat Heist at Co-op
On October 4, 2024, Collins strolled into the Co-op on Pattens Lane, Chatham, and swiped nearly £110 worth of meat from the refrigerated section. He walked straight out without paying.
Repeat Offender Targets BP Garage
Less than two weeks later, Collins struck again at the BP Garage on maidstone/" title="Maidstone" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Maidstone Road, Chatham, stuffing £30 worth of food items down his jogging bottoms, then making off.
Swift Arrest and Court Appearance
Police arrested the 41-year-old from Conifer Drive, Chatham, in the town centre on October 25. Collins faced Medway Magistrates’ Court the next day, pled guilty, and was sentenced to 104 days behind bars.
This sentence included activating a suspended term from earlier theft convictions handed down at the same court.
Five-Year Criminal Behaviour Order Issued
On release, Collins must keep clear of all Co-op, Asda, and Tesco supermarkets, plus any BP petrol stations in the area. He must obey all banning notices issued by shops.
Police Sergeant Dan Bartlett warned: “Collins has committed a significant number of thefts over the years and has been subject to previous criminal behaviour orders. He is now serving a prison sentence and his conduct will be restricted by a further order on his release. Local officers and shop owners will be alert for any breaches of these conditions and, should he transgress in the future, he will be brought before the court immediately to answer for his actions.”
