Two people have been arrested and charged after a rapid police response to reports of shoplifting at a high street chemist.
Kent Police were called at 10.39pm on Wednesday, 27 August after staff at Boots in Sevenoaks High Street suspected two individuals of concealing items in shopping bags.
Within 20 minutes, officers intercepted the suspects at Sevenoaks railway station as they attempted to board a train.
A search recovered toiletries and perfume reported stolen, along with a screwdriver and pliers.
Charges
- Scott Murphy, 38, of Turpington Lane, Bromley
- Charlene Cornwell, 33, of Turpington Lane, Bromley
Both were charged with theft and bailed to appear at Sevenoaks Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 30 September.
Police statement
Detective Inspector Rik Spicer said:
“Our ongoing work to combat shoplifting in the Sevenoaks area has seen a reduction of almost 10% in reports over the past year.
To achieve this, we have utilised plain clothes operations, additional uniformed patrols and engaged with the neighbourhood task force on a daily basis. Officers have also held regular safety engagement events with key local stakeholders to identify and target crime trends.”
Kent Police confirmed the year-on-year fall equates to a 9.6% reduction in reported shoplifting.
