by Angela Cole

acole@thekmgroup.co.uk

Undercover police will be mingling with shoppers to try and tackle shoplifting in Maidstone.

The County Town saw an increase of 6.4 per cent over the last year in the numbers of theft and handling offences.

Now police want to tackle the issue head-on and will be sending plain clothed officers out to blend in with the crowds this week.

Chief Insp Robbie Graham, borough commander for Maidstone police, said: “We’ve had a number of reported incidents where gangs from outside the county have been coming to target shops, committing bulk shoplifting and theft offences.

“We want to prove that in Maidstone they cannot get away with it and hope that the threat of undercover officers will deter offenders from committing such crimes in the County Town. Officers will blend with the public and be alert to any shoplifting, purse, mobile phone and cycle thefts.”

He added: “I would also ask the public to be extra vigilant and protect their own property ensuring bags are fastened and kept with them at all times, that they register mobile phones online to protect them and that bicycles are secured with a chain. Everyone can play their part in helping to reduce crime in Maidstone.”