A woman was found to be posing as a Big Issue seller after a bag of stolen goods was discovered.

Last Monday (August 12), police were on patrol in Sheerness High Street.

It was reported that a woman pretending to be a Big Issue seller was shoplifting in the area.

The magazine is meant to help people who are experiencing homelessness or are vulnerably housed.

Anyone selling copies must wear an ID badge and also have the option of wearing a coloured jacket with a printed logo.

After a brief conversation, PC Hewes and PCSO Johnson became concerned she was not a legitimate seller.

A police spokesman said: “At around 10.20am on Monday, August 12, officers were on patrol in Sheerness High Street when they stopped and spoke to a 22-year-old woman.

“The officers seized a bag of items that had been stolen from Boots and the woman, who has no fixed address, was arrested.

“The matter was later dealt with by way of a community resolution and the property was returned to the store.”

A Big Issue spokesman added: “We have outreach teams who go out regularly to visit and support our vendors. They look out for any misconduct or abuse of our business model.

“Our advice to the public would be to make sure you buy a Big Issue from someone who is showing a valid, in-date badge and who is selling the current week’s edition of the publication.

“It is also important to always take the magazine you purchase.”