Deal Thief Jailed After Brazen Spending Spree on Victim’s Cash
A cunning Deal crook who targeted a vulnerable woman and spat in a police officer’s face has been locked up for over two years. Melissa Goldstone, 34, of Colmanton Grove, rumbled her way into a home on Telegraph Road before making a swift exit when a carer arrived.
Vulnerable Victim’s Belongings Stolen
On 15 January 2019, Goldstone gained access and took off when interrupted. Days later, the victim’s stolen bank card and handbag were found abandoned in Freeman’s Way. A passerby tried to return the card, but police discovered it had been used to buy clothes and food across several shops since the break-in.
CCTV showed Goldstone using the victim’s card multiple times, even forging her signature when contactless payments weren’t an option. She was also caught on camera checking the victim’s supermarket reward points in West Street.
Caught Red-Handed Shoplifting
On 7 February, security cameras spotted Goldstone stashing sports clothes and accessories before leaving a Dover store. Police swooped on Dover High Street and arrested her. A search of her home found another one of the victim’s bank cards.
Assault on Police Officer
During custody, Goldstone bit her mouth to draw blood and spat in a cup, hurling it in a police officer’s face. The officer needed hospital treatment as a precaution. Goldstone claimed she hadn’t noticed him and denied all theft charges.
Jail Time and Ban from Deal and Dover
At Canterbury Crown Court on 25 April 2019, Goldstone admitted burglary, five counts of shoplifting, five counts of fraud, and assaulting an emergency worker. The stolen goods included alcohol, meat, cheese, coffee, and clothes taken between December 2018 and February 2019.
She was sentenced to two and a half years in prison and handed a criminal behaviour order banning her from Deal and Dover High Streets and nearby areas for two years.
Investigating officer PC Danielle Rolfe said: “Goldstone knowingly exploited a vulnerable woman to steal her belongings, then went on a spending spree with her bank card. She even forged the victim’s signature. We won’t tolerate criminals like her who prey on innocent people and disrupt local businesses.”
“If anyone suspects someone they know has been targeted by offenders like Goldstone, please report it to the police so we can deliver justice.”
