Kent Police

A prolific Swale shoplifter has been jailed and will be subject to a strict criminal behaviour order preventing her entering a store with a bag that is not clear, on her release from prison.

Sittingbourne Neighbourhood officers have been working to protect local businesses and their latest enforcement sees Shelley Earnshaw receiving more than three months’ imprisonment.

Swale Borough Council have teamed up with Kent Police to implement measures to tackle anti-social behaviour, such as street drinking and youth nuisance, in Sittingbourne High Street.

Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO) are in place to address street drinking and give officers from Kent Police and the council powers to give fines or take court action, to make the high street a safer place.

Kent Police have confirmed that a shop has been visited following concerns raised with the local beat officer in Milton Regis.

Witnesses are sought following a report of a man exposing himself near Sittingbourne.

At around 7pm last night (Wednesday 21st August) it was reported that a man was seen exposing himself from inside a car in Cryalls Lane, near Borden.

The man is described as in his 40s or 50s, bald, with thin facial hair and was wearing a grey T-shirt.

Anyone who witnessed the incident and has yet to speak to officers, or who has dashcam footage which may assist police, is urged to call Kent Police on 01795 419119 quoting 22-0229.

A Sittingbourne sex offender, who targeted children online and in his home town, has been jailed.

On Tuesday 20th February 2024, Ben Murphy went to a park in Sittingbourne and approached two children who were playing on the swings. Murphy made an indecent suggestion to them and they told him to go away. He ran from the scene while the distressed children fled the park and informed their parents.

Kent Police have put in place a Dispersal Order covering Sittingbourne town centre across this weekend.

It's been issued after concerns from residents and business owners over recent incidents of antisocial behaviour throughout the area.

The enforcement earlier today (Friday 9th August) at 2pm and will run until 10pm on Sunday (11th August) night and covers the High Street, East Street, Roman Square, The Avenue of Remembrance, William Street, Grafton Road, The Butts, the entire section of the A2 that passes through the town along with Milton Road and Fountain Street.

A prolific thief has been banned from entering multiple stores in Sittingbourne for two years.

Lisa Willett, 45 and of Grecian Street in Maidstone, was handed a two-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) on Thursday 11th July 2024.

The CBO prohibits her from entering named stores in the town which include numerous smaller businesses and several supermarkets including Poundland, Aldi and Morrisons. She must also not enter any store she has been previously banned from and must not remain in any premises if she is told to leave by the owner or occupier.

Officers investigating reports of shoplifting in the Swale and Canterbury districts have issued images of two people they would like to identify.

Kent Police is looking into five reports of theft where a large quantity of medication was stolen from stores. Two shops in Sittingbourne reported thefts during the afternoon Saturday 22nd June 2024, in Gadby Road and Eurolink Way.

A further three thefts were reported to have taken place on Tuesday 25th June; from two stores - one in Herne Bay and another in Whitstable.

Information is sought to help find a missing man from Ireland who might be in the Sittingbourne area.

Martin Lambert is believed to have arrived in England on Friday 14th June and may have travelled to Sittingbourne on Tuesday 25th June.

He is described as white, five feet six inches tall, with short red hair and is balding on top. He is missing one of his front teeth, and has a tattoo on one arm saying ‘Mum’. On his other arm he has a tattoo of an English bulldog holding a snooker cue.

Officers investigating an incident in Sittingbourne, where a teenage boy was struck by a car, are appealing for the victim to contact them urgently.

Patrols were called to Bristol Close in Milton Regis following reports of the collision at around 9pm on last night (Friday 5th July). It is alleged the driver then got out of his vehicle and assaulted the victim who fled the scene. Constables arrested a 46-year-old local man on suspicion of assault and he was taken into custody. The suspect was later bailed to return to the police station, pending further investigation.