A man from Gravesend has been charged with five counts of theft from a Tesco over a 15-day period.

Narinder Biriah, 47, appeared in court following an investigation into five thefts at two Tesco stores between January 10 and January 25, 2023. 

Police say that “quantities of groceries and alcohol were reported stolen” during this timeframe at the Tesco stores in New Road and Whitehill Lane.

Biriah was charged with five counts of theft and additionally charged with failing to provide a sample for a drug test while in custody.

Biriah appeared at Medway Magistrates’ Court on January 30, where he was bailed to attend a hearing on February 9.

Kent Police said: “A suspected Gravesend shoplifter has appeared in court following investigation into five thefts over 15 days.

“Quantities of groceries and alcohol were reported stolen during a spate of offences in shops between Tuesday 10 January and Wednesday 25 January 2023.

“Investigations into the alleged thefts at Tesco stores in New Road and Whitehill Lane led to the arrest of a man in Parrock Street.

“Narinder Biriah, of no fixed address was later charged with five counts of theft.

He was also charged with failing to provide a sample for a drug test in custody.

“The 47-year-old appeared before Medway Magistrates’ Court on Monday 30 January where he was bailed to a hearing at the same court on 9 February,