By Hayley Robinson

Meat, alcohol and cleaning products are the top most wanted items for shoplifters in Sittingbourne.

Since February, more than 30 incidents of shoplifting have been dealt with either by issuing £80 fixed penalty notices, warnings, cautions or charges.

Around 20 youngsters have also been banned from shops.

Insp Phil Hibben of the
Sittingbourne neighbourhood team, which is running an operation to reduce shoplifting,
says he doesn’t intend to put
juveniles through the court system for nicking a handful of sweets.

He said: "There have been several occasions when young people have been caught shoplifting and we have been able to resolve the problem with the support of their parents and the store without any arrest having to be made.

"However, repeat offenders have been arrested, charged and now have a criminal record."

The operation, which targets both opportunist and serial shoplifters, is due to be introduced across Swale.

Stores wanting to take part in the operation should call 01795 419119 or email Sittingbourne.neighbourhood@kent.pnn.
police.uk

Among those charged are Peter John Beale, 31, of Langley Road, Sittingbourne, who admitted three charges of shoplifting when he appeared at Sittingbourne Magistrates Court.

He is on remand awaiting sentencing at Maidstone Crown Court.

John Johnson, 40, of The Meads, Sittingbourne, admitted four charges of shoplifting and one charge of attempted shoplifting.

He was remanded in custody and is due to be sentenced on Tuesday.

A 16-year-old boy from Kemsley received a three-month referral order and was ordered to pay £40 costs after he appeared at
the youth court for stealing sweets from the Co-op in Milton Regis.