Shoplifting Crackdown Nets Five Charges in Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells
A fierce police clampdown on shoplifting and anti-social behaviour in Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells has landed five charges and dozens of arrests. The operation targeted the spike in festive crime to protect local shops in the busy run-up to Christmas.
Heavy Patrols Bring Results
From Monday 11 to Friday 15 December 2023, local beat officers and the Neighbourhood Task Force flooded town centres with a high-visibility presence. Their mission: deter thieves, catch known offenders, and reassure retailers.
Patrols engaged with business owners, sharing tips on avoiding shoplifting, while also carrying out stop-and-searches on suspects. The hard work paid off with stolen goods recovered, nine arrests made, and several charges pressed.
Notorious Shoplifter Busted
Mark Goodman, 52, from Twyford Road, Hadlow, was charged with stealing hats and gloves worth over £500 from a Calverley Road shop in Tunbridge Wells. He’s been bailed to appear at Maidstone Magistrates’ Court on 16 January 2024.
Two more suspects face shoplifting charges linked to offences in the town centres.
Anti-Social Behaviour Also In The Spotlight
The crackdown didn’t just focus on shop thieves. Officers also targeted anti-social behaviour, making arrests for assault, drug driving, and public order offences.
One man in his 20s, accused of nicking a pensioner’s mobility scooter on 1 Road in Tonbridge, was detained but later bailed pending further probes.
“Shoplifting and anti-social behaviour affect the community in numerous ways, from forcing businesses to raise prices to compensate for losses, to creating an undesirable atmosphere for residents as well as visitors to our towns,” said Chief Inspector Stuart Paul, West Kent local policing boss.
“Kent Police takes all incidents seriously and we encourage businesses and the public to keep reporting crimes. This helps us tackle issues swiftly and keep our towns safe.”
