The number of people caught shoplifting in a town has risen by almost 40% in a year.

Kent Police has reported that between August 2022 and July 2023, 286 shop thefts in Maidstone were “solved” – compared to 207 in the previous year.

There has also been an increase of almost 52% in charges for shoplifting.

In the last year, 231 charges were authorised, compared to 152 in the last period.

Last month, 18 charges were made relating to shoplifting offences in the County Town.

This included Lisa Wallace, 50, of Chestnut Close, Maidstone, who was charged after clothes and shoes were stolen from Next on July 28, worth almost £350.

She is also accused of taking six pairs of sunglasses from Leightons in Hempstead Valley, shopping centre Gillingham worth nearly £2,000.

Vanessa Hamelton, 49, of Farleigh Lane, Maidstone was charged on July 21 with three counts of shoplifting after a series of offences on May 17 in Poundland, Boots and the British Heart Foundation charity shop.

Kerry Donoghue, 47, of Jasmine Close, East Malling, has also been charged in connection with allegations she targeted Marks & Spencer on at least ten separate occasions between February and March this year.

More than £4,000 worth of meat and alcohol was stolen.

Maidstone’s Chief Inspector Mark McLellan said: “We remain determined to protect businesses in Maidstone from those who see them as easy pickings, and it is great to see the work we are doing is providing some really encouraging results.

“Both high visibility and plain clothed officers constantly patrol our town centre, and they work closely with shops and partners to effectively identify and pursue repeat offenders.

“The introduction last year of the Maidstone Town Centre Task Force has further bolstered our efforts to protect businesses from criminals, and there will be no let-up in our efforts to prosecute those who see shoplifting as part of a criminal lifestyle.

“It is never a victimless crime and it can have a drastic effect on businesses, who often have little choice but to pass the cost of crime onto their customers.”