An off-duty police officer and his retired police dog heroically intervened to apprehend a suspected shoplifter in Swanscombe. The incident, which occurred on Sunday, September 14, 2025, began when an individual allegedly threatened a staff member at a local supermarket with a pair of scissors during a theft attempt.
The officer and his dog, who were passing by, witnessed the event and gave chase. During the pursuit and subsequent detention of the suspect, the officer was reportedly assaulted and spat upon. Kent Police units arrived shortly after and took the individual into custody.
The suspect, a 22-year-old man from Swanscombe, was later charged with a range of offences, including theft, assault on an emergency worker, possession of a bladed article, and criminal damage. He was also charged in connection with four other thefts at the same store between August 31 and September 9. The suspect appeared in court and was remanded to a future hearing at Maidstone Crown Court.