A shoplifter who stole more than 40 packets of meat by hiding them in his clothing has been jailed.

Ross Collins went to the Co-op store in Delce Road, Rochester on six occasions between March 7 and last Sunday (April 7).

Items stolen included large quantities of meat, frozen food and cleaning products.

Collins also went to a shop in Maidstone Road, Chatham and stole 12 cans of alcohol and 43 meat products. The total value exceeded £500.

Officers recognised him from CCTV footage and he was tracked down and arrested yesterday (April 9) in Ordnance Street, Chatham.

Collins, of Conifer Drive, Chatham, was later charged with seven counts of theft.

He was remanded to Medway Magistrates’ Court where he pleaded guilty.

The 41-year-old was immediately imprisoned for 120 days and ordered to pay compensation to the businesses he had targeted.

District Commander for Medway, Chief Inspector Garry Cook, said: “This latest arrest emphasises our commitment to local businesses and the determination of our constables to target those responsible for retail crime.

“Where CCTV footage or other evidence allows neighbourhood officers to identify suspects, they are swiftly arrested.

“Investigators from our victim based crime team then ensure they are charged and, when appropriate, immediately placed before the court to answer for their crimes.”