Banned Shoplifter Jailed, Second Man Remanded After Found With Knife and Screwdriver

Two shoplifting cases dealt with by Sevenoaks Magistrates' Court have ended with a jail term for one repeat offender and a remand in custody for another, Kent Police has said.

On 21 September, a 37-year-old man from Bexleyheath entered the Asda on London Road, Swanley, despite being subject to a Criminal Behaviour Order banning him from every Asda and Co-op store in England. He was caught on CCTV taking seven bottles of alcohol, worth £182, and leaving via a staff exit without paying. A security officer at the store identified him and he was arrested. He pleaded guilty to theft and breaching the order at Sevenoaks Magistrates' Court on 28 September, and was sentenced to 18 weeks in prison. The judge described his conduct as showing a "flagrant disregard for court orders."

A second case centred on the Esso service station on Eridge Road, Tunbridge Wells, where officers saw a 43-year-old man of no fixed address take a can of alcohol on 27 September and leave without paying. He was arrested immediately. A search recovered the stolen can along with a broken glass bottle neck, a screwdriver and a large kitchen knife. He was charged with theft, possession of an offensive weapon and possession of a bladed article, and pleaded guilty to all three at Sevenoaks Magistrates' Court on 1 October. He has been remanded in custody ahead of a sentencing hearing at the same court on 15 October.

Police Sergeant Nick Bottle said: "Our officers continue to develop positive working relationships with security teams and partner agencies, promoting regular communication and information sharing around repeat offenders. This enables us to identify prolific shoplifters more effectively, coordinate enforcement opportunities, and provide reassurance to staff. By maintaining regular contact and supporting crime prevention initiatives, we are better able to reduce retail crime and protect both employees and customers."

Source: Kent Police