Maidstone police, in a series of proactive operations with local partners, have arrested multiple suspects for robbery, shoplifting, and other offences, highlighting a successful collaboration between law enforcement and the town’s business community.
The arrests are the result of a concerted effort to combat repeat offenders and antisocial behavior. Town centre patrols are working closely with CCTV operators and One Maidstone Business Improvement District (BID) street ambassadors to respond swiftly to crimes in progress and track down suspects.
One of the most significant arrests occurred on Saturday, August 16, when CCTV operators identified three suspects linked to a knifepoint robbery that took place two days earlier. The robbery, which targeted two teenage boys by the River Medway, was still under investigation when the suspects were spotted entering the town centre. CCTV tracked their movements, allowing officers to be directed to their location and make the arrests. A subsequent search of an address connected to one of the suspects led to the recovery of a machete. Two of the men have since been charged with robbery and weapons offences.
In a separate incident on Tuesday, August 12, police and BID colleagues coordinated to locate a vehicle linked to bulk shoplifting. After the BID alerted retailers to be on the lookout for a Citroen C4, the vehicle was found in a car park. Upon inspection, officers discovered nearly £700 worth of suspected stolen goods from Marks and Spencer. Four suspects were detained and are currently under investigation.
The ongoing partnership also extends to enforcing Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBOs). On Monday, August 11, two men aged 48 and 56 with known CBOs, were arrested for entering areas from which they were excluded. Both men have been charged and remanded in custody.
Chief Inspector Stuart Paul said:
‘The support officers receive from our partners remains invaluable in helping to keep Maidstone an overwhelmingly safe and welcoming environment for everyone. The combined network of CCTV, MaidSafe shop radio system, and ongoing support from the BID street ambassadors provides real-time and often crucial intelligence and visibility, helping us identify and often swiftly arrest outstanding and sometimes dangerous offenders. This collaborative approach really does help us in ensuring patrols are deployed in the right places at the right times to protect the public and businesses.’