Two thieves from Kent are starting prison sentences after targeting north Kent businesses.
During October 2023, Jamie Hopkins and Adam Roberts were both subject to criminal behaviour orders that banned them from entering several retail outlets including any Co-op store.
On 19th October, Hopkins attempted to steal boxes of cigarettes from behind a counter at the Co-op in Talbot Lane, Swanscombe. He was challenged by a shop worker before leaving the scene.
Three days later, Hopkins and Roberts stole a quantity of meat and laundry products from the same premises.
Criminal behaviour orders are a chance for offenders to moderate their behaviour and, if they fail to seize this opportunity, a prison sentence is the most likely sanction
On 27th October, two bottles of spirits were stolen by Roberts from behind a counter at the Co-op in Oldfield Place, Dartford. On the following day, both men were arrested after they were seen by a local police officer to enter the Co-op in Castle Hill, Ebbsfleet.
Hopkins of Browning Road, Dartford and Roberts, of no fixed address, were both charged by investigators from the North Kent Victim Based Crime Team, with one count of theft and three breaches of their criminal behaviour orders.
Roberts, aged 36, was also charged with a burglary at the Co-op in Oldfield Place, Dartford and Hopkins, aged 39, with a count of burglary at the Co-op in Talbot Lane, Swanscombe.
Both pleaded guilty at Medway Magistrates’ Court on Monday 30th October and were remanded in custody.
On Tuesday 14th May 2024 at Maidstone Crown Court, Hopkins and Roberts were both jailed for 10 months.
Police Sergeant Dan Horsley said ‘These men have showed complete contempt for the law by continuing to shoplift while under conditions imposed by a court, not to enter the premises they were targeting. This type of crime ultimately increases prices for law-abiding customers and can have an impact on the ability of some shops to continue trading.’
