Shoplifters Jamie Hopkins and Adam Roberts jailed for stealing from North Kent stores
Thieves banned but back robbing Co-ops
Jamie Hopkins and Adam Roberts were slammed with 10-month jail sentences after a string of thefts at businesses in Dartford and North Kent. Both men were already under criminal behaviour orders banning them from entering several retail outlets, including all Co-op stores.
Series of brazen shoplifts caught on camera
Hopkins, from Browning Road, Dartford, made a failed grab for cigarettes at the Co-op in Talbot Lane, Swanscombe on October 19, 2023. A quick-thinking shop assistant stopped him, forcing a hasty exit. But the duo struck again three days later, nicking meat and laundry goods from the same store.
On October 27, Roberts, 36 and homeless, swiped two bottles of spirits at the Co-op in Oldfield Place, Dartford. Their spree ended the following day when police caught them red-handed entering a Co-op store on Castle Hill.
Guilty pleas and tough sentences
Charged with multiple thefts and breaches of their criminal behaviour orders, both men pleaded guilty at Medway Magistrates’ Court on October 30 and were immediately remanded in custody. Roberts faced additional burglary charges for the Oldfield Place theft, while Hopkins also faced burglary charges relating to the Talbot Lane Co-op.
On May 14, 2024, maidstone/" title="Maidstone" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Maidstone Crown Court handed down 10-month jail sentences to both offenders.
Police hit out at repeat offenders
“Their blatant disregard for the law harms businesses and shoppers alike,” said Police Sergeant Dan Horsley. “Criminal behaviour orders exist to help offenders turn their lives around. Failure to heed these orders carries serious consequences, including jail.”
