Prolific shoplifters who stole meat and other products from different Co-op stores have admitted the offences in court.

Jamie Hopkins, of Browning Road, Dartford attempted to steal boxes of cigarettes from behind the counter at the Ebbsfleet Green branch in Talbot Lane on October 19.

The 39-year-old left the scene after being challenged by a shop worker.

Three days later, he and Adam Roberts, of no fixed address, stole a quantity of meat and laundry products from the same shop.

Then, on October 27, two bottles of spirits were stolen by Roberts from behind the counter at the Co-op in Oldfield Place, Dartford.

Both men were arrested the following day after they were seen by a local police officer entering the food retailer’s premises in Castle Hill, Ebbsfleet.

Investigators charged both one count of theft and three breaches of their criminal behaviour orders.

Roberts, 36, was also charged with a burglary at the Co-op in Oldfield Place, and Hopkins, with a count of burglary at the Co-op in Talbot Lane, Swanscombe.

Both pleaded guilty at Medway Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

They have been remanded to be sentenced at a hearing at Maidstone Crown Court on a date to be confirmed.