And shoplifting too

Several suspects have been arrested by town centre officers in Maidstone during the latest proactive work to tackle repeat offenders and antisocial behaviour.

Patrols are operating closely with partners including CCTV operators and One Maidstone Business Improvement District (BID) street ambassadors, to swiftly respond to crimes in progress and track down outstanding suspects.

On Tuesday 12 August 2025, police identified a vehicle linked to bulk shoplifting offences and quickly coordinated with BID colleagues who alerted retailers to be on the lookout.

This led to the Citroen C4 being located in a car park off St Peter’s Street and when police attended it was found to contain almost £700 of suspected stolen goods from Marks and Spencer.

Four suspects were detained and remain under investigation.

Machete

Two days later, on Thursday 14 August, two teenage boys were allegedly robbed at knifepoint while sitting on a bench by the River Medway near Broadway.

On Saturday 16 August, CCTV operators identified and tracked the suspects as they entered the town again. Officers were directed to their location and all three were arrested.

A subsequent search of an address linked to one of them led to the recovery of a machete. Two of the men have since been charged in connection with robbery and weapons offences and remain subject to court proceedings.

Source: Kent Police