Two Men Busted for Scamming Pensioners in Tunbridge Wells Car Parks
Four elderly victims fell prey to a sneaky theft and fraud scam while trying to pay for parking in Tunbridge Wells and Pembury. The racket ended with two arrests following a daring police chase.
Fake Parking Machines Swipe Cards
On Thursday, September 8, 2022, between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., two pensioners in Mount Pleasant Road, Tunbridge Wells, and two more in a nearby hospital car park were targeted. Two men approached them wielding a tampered parking payment machine. When victims inserted their cards, the machine immediately stole their card details.
Police Chase Ends in Arrests
Officers acted fast. At 12:35 p.m., two suspects were caught after failing to stop for police on New Road, Crowborough, East Sussex. They were swiftly arrested and charged following a full investigation.
Criminal Charges Laid
- James Zakir, 26, from East Ham, Beckton, faces multiple charges: three counts of fraud by false representation, three counts each of theft and attempted theft, plus driving without insurance, dangerous driving, and failing to stop for police.
- Karim Shariff, 35, of Fothergill Close, Greater London, has been charged with three counts of fraud, theft, and attempted theft.
Both men appeared at Medway Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, September 10, and have been remanded in custody. Their next court appearance is scheduled for Monday, October 10, 2022, at Maidstone Crown Court.
