A serial shoplifter who stole electric shaving items worth more than £320 on three separate occasions has been jailed.

Atik Jabarkhel stole from Boots in The Pentagon Centre, Chatham three times.

The offences took place between October 23 and November 21.

During the same period, two attempts were also made to steal bottles of alcohol totalling more than £100 from Sainsbury’s at the same shopping centre and Asda in Thames Way, Gravesend.

Jabarkhel, of no fixed address, was arrested on Tuesday and was later charged with five counts of theft.

The 32-year-old pleaded guilty when he appeared before Medway Magistrates’ Court just 24 hours later and was immediately jailed for 14 weeks.

The sentence follows the jailing of Gabriella Tokorova, on November 13, who also targeted shops in Chatham and Gravesend.

The 24-year-old was charged with seven thefts and pleaded guilty at her first hearing before Medway Magistrates’ Court.

She was immediately sentenced to 56 days’ imprisonment.

District Commander for Gravesham, Chief Inspector Will Lay said: “Theft from shops is not a victimless crime and can have a detrimental effect on the ability of small businesses to remain profitable.

“Our officers are very mindful of the concerns of business owners and are focused on prolific thieves who can be responsible for multiple offences.

“We have neighbourhood patrols deployed in the town centres and these will be enhanced over the festive period in north Kent and Medway.

“I would encourage shopkeepers and staff to call us if a crime is happening or if they suspect one is about to happen.

“This will allow us to effectively deploy our resources and ensure these criminals enjoy their Christmas behind bars.”