Police have have arrested shoplifters in a Kent town in a bid to tackle retail crime in the area. Between November 28 and December 4, staff at Aldi in Northfleet reported four incidents where multiple bottles of spirits and prosecco were stolen.
Following an examination of CCTV, a suspect was stopped in Thames Way and arrested on Tuesday, January 7. Rene Suha, of Snelling Avenue, Gravesend, was later charged with four thefts.
In a separate investigation, a man was detained in Queen Street in connection with thefts from a pharmacy in the town. Electric toothbrushes worth a total of £140 were reported stolen from the business in Leander Drive on October 30 and November 21.
Investigators examined CCTV footage and, also on Tuesday, January 7, a suspect was tracked down and arrested.
Daniel Gibbons, of St Patrick’s Gardens, Gravesend, was later charged with two thefts. Both Mr Suha, 31, and Mr Gibbons, 48, were remanded in custody to appear before Medway Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 8 January.
Chief Inspector Will Lay said: “Our officers are determined to support our local businesses by targeting those who seek to shoplift in the area.
“The local beat officers will respond swiftly to incidents and, where an arrest is not made at the time, will go the extra mile to investigate reports and track down any suspected offender.”