Three people have been convicted after a number of thefts in Sidcup.

Over the last few months, Blendon and Penhill Police have ben investigating a spike in shoplifting at the Co op at The Oval.

Three people who were charged didn't appear in court and so the police put out a warrant for their arrest.

One by one they were arrested and put before the court and pleaded guilty.

On April 7, Samuel Middleton, Rachel Middleton and Michael Lane entered The Co-op, The Oval and stole a quantity of Chocolate (just before Easter) to be value of £253.31.

They were identified from the excellent quality CCTV in the store.

On August 28 Samuel Middleton, 30 of Bourneside Gardens was sentenced to a 12 month victim surcharge and ordered to pay £20 costs.

On August 6 Rachel Middleton, 28 of Bourneside Gardens was sentenced to 20 weeks in prison.

On July 19, Michael Lane, 30, of Bourneside Gardens was sentenced to 22 weeks in prison.

A spokesperson from Blendon and Penhill police said: "These shoplifting offences are not the crime of the century but when I watch CCTV and see people queuing up at the till to pay for their pizzas and their beer and then see others blatantly walk out of the shop with hundreds of pounds worth of goods, it doesn't sit right with me to not investigate it."