A man from Orpington has been jailed after stealing from Boots in Kent.

Ross Port, 42, was sentenced to four months’ imprisonment at Sevenoaks Magistrates’ Court on September 27.

His imprisonment comes as part of a crackdown on shoplifting by Kent Police.

On his release, he will be restricted by the conditions of a criminal behaviour order.

He pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing of two thefts at Boots in Sevenoaks High Street and causing criminal damage to a cell at Tonbridge police station.

As part of the criminal behaviour order, Port, of Elmcroft Road, is now allowed to enter Boots or Oliver Bonas in Sevenoaks and the Co-op in Swanley High Street for five years.

He must comply with any written banning notice served to him by any retailer and not remain n any shop when asked to leave by a member of staff or anyone in authority.

Police Sergeant Dan Bartlett said: “Our officers are determined to protect stores from those who travel into west Kent towns to commit crime.

“Local patrols know those who visit the county regularly and are quick to stop and check anyone acting suspiciously.
“Where a suspect is convicted and sentenced for offences in local businesses, we will seek to prevent further offending by applying for a criminal behaviour order.

“Constables are then in a position to respond robustly to those who fail to comply with instructions from the court, and swiftly bring them back before the magistrates to account for their actions.”

A spokesperson for Kent Police said: “The crackdown on shoplifting has continued after a prolific thief was banned from entering several local stores in west Kent.

“Ross Port, aged 42, was sentenced to four months' imprisonment at Sevenoaks Magistrates’ Court on 27 September 2023, and will be restricted by the conditions of a criminal behaviour order on his release.

“The London resident had pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to two thefts at Boots in Sevenoaks High Street and causing criminal damage to a cell at Tonbridge police station.

“Under the terms of the criminal behaviour order, Port, of Elmcroft Road, Orpington, is not allowed to enter Boots or Oliver Bonas in Sevenoaks, and the Co-op in Swanley High Street for five years.

“He must also comply with any written banning notice served upon him by any retailer, and not remain in any shop when asked to leave by a member of staff or anyone in authority.”