Police officers in Medway are currently targeting town centres in an effort to tackle crime over the summer period.
Neighbourhood teams and response constables have been patrolling on foot and, with the assistance of CCTV operators, have been responding swiftly make arrests.
On Tuesday 22nd July 2025, multiple suspected shoplifters and an alleged handler of stolen property were detained in Chatham. A report of stolen alcohol being sold in the High Street led to the arrest of two women and the seizure of a bottle of wine and other items.
In a separate arrest, staff at Primark alerted officers to the theft of clothes valued at £71 and, a short time later, a man was detained. Items of clothing were also recovered. Another man was arrested in the town centre later the same day.
A further suspect was arrested after cleaning products and confectionary worth £91 was reported stolen from B&M.
As a result of investigations by officers, the following individuals have been charged so far:
Angela O’Leary and Sophie Waters, both of no fixed address, were charged with theft. Ms O’Leary, 41, was remanded to appear before Medway Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 23 July. Ms Waters, 23, was bailed to the same court on 29 August.
Lewis Wildish, 35, of Mill Lane, Sittingbourne was charged with handling stolen property and was bailed to a hearing at Medway Magistrates’ Court in August.
John Devall, 41, of no fixed address and Thomas Bramwell, 45, of Luton Road, Chatham were both charged with theft and were remanded to appear before magistrates on Thursday 24 July.
Inspector Diddams said “We are determined to tackle anyone who chooses to target retail premises in our town centres. Business owners and shoppers will see additional patrols in the area throughout the summer and anyone suspected of committing crime will be stopped, searched and arrested when appropriate.”
