A prolific thief has been jailed after admitting stealing nearly £300 worth of wine.

Louis Foster targeted a shop in Luton Road, Chatham on four occasions between March 17 and March 19.

Officers recognised Foster after reviewing CCTV at the store and he was arrested in Institute Road two weeks later, on April 3.

The constables also seized a knife from his waistband.

The 26-year-old, who lives in Chatham High Street, was charged with four counts of theft and possession of a knife in a public place.

On Friday (April 5) he pleaded guilty at Medway Magistrates’ Court to all the charges.

Foster was immediately jailed for six months and required to pay £291 in compensation.

It comes as police bid to crack down on a reported rise in retail crime.

Neighbourhood officers have been working closely with investigators in the town to ensure businesses receive a prompt response to reports of alleged thefts.

In a separate investigation, Lee Swift, of High Street, Chatham was charged with nine counts of theft after meat, dairy products and other items totally more than £30 were allegedly stolen from a shop in Maidstone Road, Chatham between March 15 and April 4.

The 45-year-old was arrested last Thursday and conditionally bailed to a hearing at Maidstone Crown Court on May 10.