Swale Shoplifter Lucille Willett Jailed for Threatening Staff with Needle and Knife
A dangerous shoplifter who terrorised staff across Swale with a needle and knife has finally been locked up. Lucille Willett, 29, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to 14 offences and was slammed with a 19-month jail sentence at Maidstone Crown Court on Thursday 9 January 2020.
Threatened Staff to Steal Baby Formula and More
On 12 June 2019, Willett struck at a shop in the Avenue of Remembrance. She stuffed her bag with boxes of baby formula milk but was stopped by a staff member at the exit. In a terrifying moment, Willett whipped out a needle and warned she’d stab him if he didn’t back off. She even swiped the needle at the worker before fleeing with the haul.
Knife-Wielding Theft Spree Across Swale
Just days later, on 18 June, Willett pulled a knife on a shop security guard and made off with 13 bottles of booze from a store in North Lane, Faversham. Over the next couple of weeks, she hit 10 more shops, nicking alcohol, cosmetics, clothes, and toiletries.
Her violence escalated when, on 27 June, she punched a staff member in the face at a local shop before dashing off with stolen goods. Police caught up with Willett that very day in St Nicholas Road, charging her with multiple thefts, assault, and possession of a bladed weapon.
Police Praise Swift Justice
“Willett targeted shops across Swale and was quite blatant in her approach. She threatened staff with weapons in order to steal whatever she wanted,” said PC Brian Mitchell of North Division CID.
“During one incident, she returned to the same shop three times in one day to steal alcohol. Thankfully, we identified her and put a stop to her relentless offending. She no longer poses a threat to shops or their staff in the area.”
