Prolific shoplifters who stole thousands of pounds worth of alcohol and other goods are to be sentenced after pleading guilty.

The thieves targeted an array of retailers in Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells last month.

Robert Fletcher, 39, of Kingsley Road, Maidstone, pleaded guilty to six thefts in which he stole around £1,300 worth of alcohol and laundry products from the town centre.

He was arrested on Thursday (November 23) and made his plea at Medway Magistrates’ Court the next day (November 24).

He was granted bail, pending sentencing at Maidstone Crown Court on a date yet to be confirmed.

Earlier in the month Paul Fogel, of Goods Station Road, Tunbridge Wells, pleaded guilty to four counts of theft in which he stole hundreds of pounds worth of alcohol and clothes from Sainsbury’s and Marks & Spencer stores in the town.

He also stole delivered parcels from outside people’s homes in Newton Road.

The 44-year-old was arrested on November 4 and pleaded guilty at Medway Magistrates Court two days later (November 6).

He is currently bailed to a hearing at Sevenoaks Magistrates’ Court on Friday (December 1).

A third suspected shoplifter has been arrested in connection with a series of thefts at Eclipse Park, Maidstone, where Marks & Spencer and Next stores were allegedly targeted.

It is reported that between September 23 and November 21, more than £3,000 of alcohol, meat, electrical items, and clothing was stolen from the retail park.

Luke Ransome, 44, of Captains Close, Sutton Valence, was arrested on Wednesday (November 22) and charged with 12 counts of theft.

He is currently bailed with conditions to appear before Maidstone Magistrates’ Court on Friday (December 1).

A total of 22 charges have been secured during the latest action to tackle shoplifters across west Kent.

The action comes after a call from politicians for a crackdown on the crime which has seen a 17% rise in the county.

In the last year, 6.8 shoplifting offenses were recorded per 1,000 population compared to the national average for England and Wales of 5.7.