Debden: Man charged with 22 shoplifting offences

A man has been remanded into custody after being charged with 22 shoplifting offences as part of an ongoing investigation in Debden.

Officers were called to the BP Garage on The Broadway in Debden at the weekend to report multiple thefts over the course of a month, where over £5000 worth of produce had been stolen. 

Enquiries were launched and a further similar report came in the following day. After pursuing a suspect on foot, a man was arrested in connection with these thefts.

Richard King, 39 of no fixed abode has since been charged with 22 counts of theft from a shop and common assault.

He will appear at Basildon Magistrates Court on 20 December.

Chief Inspector Tina Cooper, District Commander for Brentwood and Epping said “Securing a charge for this investigation was fantastic collaborative work between our Local Policing Team, Community Policing Team and Town Centre Team.

“Thefts from shops have a detrimental effect on the businesses, their employers and members of the public and it’s something we take seriously.

“We will continue to work closely with our local shops and businesses to prevent shoplifting offences and investigate them thoroughly when they are reported.”

For more information on what Essex Police are doing to tackle shoplifting offences, visit our website: Business Crime Team | Essex Police