Dartford Shoplifter Jailed After Flouting Co-op Ban
Hopkins Hits Same Store Three Times
Jamie Hopkins, 40, was banned from every Co-op store in Kent following a three-year court order issued in February 2023. The order stopped him from entering multiple shops in Dartford without staff permission.
But despite the strict ban, Hopkins brazenly targeted the Co-op in Oldfield Place, Dartford, stealing food and sweets on three separate occasions between January 1 and January 11, 2025.
Swift Arrest and Court Action
Police finally caught up with Hopkins on January 13. He was charged with theft and breaching the Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO).
At Margate Magistrates’ Court on January 21, he pleaded guilty to both charges and was immediately locked up for nine months.
Police Send a Warning to Thieves
Inspector Lee Cheesman of Kent Police said, “The CBO to which Hopkins is subject is in place to protect local businesses and the community. Now that Hopkins is behind bars, I hope it serves to remind would-be thieves that we take shoplifting very seriously and will always strive to bring them before the courts to face justice.”
Clampdown on Repeat Offenders
This case is part of an ongoing crackdown by local authorities to protect Kent businesses from persistent shoplifters like Hopkins. No more free passes for repeat offenders!
