A prolific shoplifter was jailed less than 24 hours after stealing whisky from Marks and Spencer in Tunbridge Wells.

Christopher Armour stole alcohol on two separate occasions after travelling to the town centre from his home in Lewisham on February 15 and March 17 2022.

Both times, the 46-year-old concealed bottles of spirits inside his jacket and left the store without paying.

Following the second theft, officers from the Tunbridge Wells Community Policing Team searched surrounding areas and found him in Calverley Grounds.

Three stolen bottles of whisky were recovered and Armour was arrested.

The 46-year-old was charged with two counts of theft and appeared at Medway Magistrates’ Court the following dayFriday 18 March.

He pleaded guilty and it was found he had also breached a previous suspended sentence. Armour was sentenced on the same day to six months in prison.

Sgt Ed Kavanagh said: "Criminals like Christopher Armour travel to areas across Kent and the South East with the sole intention of committing shoplifting and other theft offences.

"Shoplifting is never a victimless crime and it can have a drastic effect on businesses, which is why we use plain clothes officers as part of our ongoing efforts to prevent and catch thieves who target our towns."

Police say they are continuing to work in partnership with retailers as part of the Shop Safe scheme which involves retailers communicating with each other via radios which are monitored by officers.