An armed thief was busted and locked up after officers spotted his distinctive hand tattoo on CCTV.
Tunbridge Wells Shop Heist
Archie Pattullo snatched around £1,800 after threatening a shopkeeper with a knife at a High Brooms convenience store on 30 June 2025. Wearing a face covering, he cornered staff behind the till before making off with the cash.
Tattoo Leads Police to Fugitive
Police quickly identified Pattullo thanks to his unique hand tattoo caught on CCTV footage. When they tried to arrest him at his home in Chestnut Close, he had already fled.
Investigators then found clothing matching the CCTV images dumped in a neighbour’s bin — a hoodie, T-shirt, and trainers.
He was eventually caught in Brighton on 4 July. Analyse of his mobile phone revealed messages boasting about the stolen cash.
Three Years Nine Months Behind Bars
Pattullo, 26, pleaded guilty to robbery and possession of a bladed article. On 25 February 2026, Maidstone Crown Court handed him a jail term of three years and nine months.
“Pattullo threatened his victim causing him extreme distress, all for the sake of lining his pockets,” said Detective Constable Celia King.
“By spotting his distinctive tattoo, we quickly identified and tracked him down despite him fleeing to another county. This case shows how relentless Kent Police are when chasing criminals.”
