Ryan Kiely, 34, who is homeless and on the run, was caught red-handed at a BP garage on Lee High Road on February 25 after shoplifting unpaid goods worth £85. Staff at the garage spotted him slipping out with the stolen items.
When Kiely attempted to make a dash for freedom, police officers quickly pursued him on foot. After a brief chase, the officers apprehended him and recovered the stolen food and drink.
Further investigation revealed that Kiely is a serial shoplifter with a long criminal record. He was wanted on recall to prison and was breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) at the time of his arrest. CCTV footage and witness reports linked him to two additional shoplifting incidents at the same BP station.
Kiely faced six charges in total: three counts of shoplifting and three counts of breaching his CBO.
The case was fast-tracked at Bromley Magistrates’ Court. Kiely was found guilty the very next day, remanded immediately, and sentenced to 16 weeks in jail.
Chief Inspector Rav Pathania, the Metropolitan Police’s retail crime lead, commented on the conviction: “This conviction shows the Met’s focus on hitting repeat offenders who harm businesses and communities.”
He added, “We work closely with retailers to gather solid evidence, use tools like Criminal Behaviour Orders, and get prolific criminals before the courts fast.”
Chief Inspector Pathania also highlighted the role of new officers in the arrest, stating, “It’s worth noting the officers who caught Kiely were new recruits, proving our commitment to smashing community crime and beefing up neighbourhood policing.”
Originally published by UKNIP.
