Shoplifting suspects charged after alleged thefts in Chatham and Strood

Two men have appeared in court after several reports of shoplifting in Medway.

Between Thursday, June 20, and Wednesday, July 3, £385 worth of food was reportedly stolen from a petrol station in Maidstone Road, Chatham, over four occasions.

A man has been charged after an alleged shoplifting incident at Tesco in Frindsbury Road, Strood. Picture: Google Maps

Police arrested a man shortly after the latest incident and Tony Cook, of Chalkpit Hill, Chatham, has been charged with four thefts and four counts of breaching a criminal behaviour order.

The 59-year-old appeared before Medway Magistrates’ Court today (July 5) and was remanded to a hearing at Sevenoaks Magistrates' Court next Friday (July 12).

In a separate incident on Sunday, 30 June, a man reportedly entered Tesco in Frindsbury Road, Strood, and picked up a number of items before leaving without paying for them.

He went back to the store around an hour later where it is said he stole food and some alcohol.

A member of staff followed him outside and was reportedly assaulted. A passing patrol was alerted and officers arrested a suspect.

Louis Foster, of Thornham Road, Twydall, was charged with two thefts and assault by beating.

The 27-year-old appeared before Medway Magistrates’ Court today (July 5) and was remanded to return to the same court next Friday (July 12).