Photo: Kai Pilger Pixabay
Retailers across parts of west Kent are celebrating a significant drop in shoplifting offences, new figures reveal. Targeted police operations, including increased foot patrols and plain clothes officers, appear to be having a strong impact on town centre crime.
Between February 1st and April 30th, 2025, reported shoplifting in Sevenoaks plummeted by nearly a third, with offences falling from 173 to just 118 compared to the same period last year. Businesses in Tunbridge Wells have also seen a substantial decrease, with reported incidents dropping by almost 25 per cent, from 252 to 190.
The positive news doesn’t end there. Over the same three-month period, the number of crimes solved across west Kent has surged by nearly 17 per cent, rising from 208 to 358. This includes a nearly 10 per cent increase in the number of charges secured against offenders, climbing from 166 to 248.
These encouraging statistics follow the implementation of several local initiatives, including additional foot patrols, the deployment of plain-clothed officers within town centres, and engagement events with local communities.
Authorities have confirmed that the robust work to tackle shoplifting in west Kent is ongoing, promising continued efforts to ensure the safety and security of local businesses.
Chief Superintendent Neil Loudon said:
‘Shoplifting is not a victimless crime. It affects business owners, employees and entire communities. We take these offences extremely seriously, recognising the financial strain and emotional stress they can cause.
‘Our officers are committed to tackling retail theft and work closely with local businesses and partners to identify offenders and prevent repeat incidents.
‘By taking swift action and ensuring consequences for those responsible, we aim to protect livelihoods and maintain safe and thriving high streets and retail locations for everyone.
‘As a force, we have invested heavily in local beat and town centre officers who are having a huge impact and making a positive difference.
‘We encourage witnesses and victims to continue reporting incidents to Kent Police. We also invite shop owners to talk to their local beat officers about preventative measures, including the Shop Safe radio initiative which enables shop workers to directly contact local on-duty officers in real-time.’
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