In an unusual turn of events, three suspects were swiftly arrested following a daring purse theft in Tonbridge. The incident unfolded around 11:20 a.m. on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, when a woman shopping at Sainsbury’s in Angel Lane discovered her purse missing from her handbag just as she prepared to pay.
It was alleged bank cards belonging to the victim were then used illegally, to purchase cigarettes, alcohol and other items at several petrol stations and shops. Police were alerted and officers immediately examined CCTV footage which led them to stop a vehicle on London Road, Tunbridge Wells and at 1.20pm three suspects were arrested.
A 52-year-old man from Coventry, West Midlands was later charged by investigators from the Tonbridge Victim Based Crime Team with theft and four counts of fraud. He appeared before Medway Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 7 March and after pleading guilty was passed into the custody of the Home Office, under an immigration detention order.
Two men from Wickford Essex, aged 53 and 54, were bailed with conditions not to enter Kent pending further enquiries.