Police charge 14-year-old Hythe boy with string of shoplifting and vandalism offences

A 14-year-old boy is due to appear in court accused of a string of shoplifting and vandalism offences.

Waterside neighbourhood policing team officers charged the Hythe youngster, who cannot be named for legal reasons, after arresting him on Sunday.

The charges include theft from Tesco Express on Beaulieu Road in Dibden Purlieu on 26th October 2024; theft from John Lewis at West Quay, Southampton, on 10th December 2024; and criminal damage in Hythe Marina on 4th January.

He has also been charged with criminal damage in Lidl, Hythe, on 9th January; theft from Welcome Store in Marchwood on 23rd January; criminal damage on Whitefield Road in New Milton on 7th February, and theft from One Stop on Fairview Parade in Hythe on 20th February.

The boy was released on conditional bail to appear at Southampton Youth Court on 14th April.

Announcing the charges online, Waterside officer PC Wilshere said: “Our team will continue to work hard tackling anti-social behaviour and criminality in your community.

“I encourage you to report any such incident so my team are aware and can take action. The easiest way is online at orlo.uk/UIidk”