New CCTV images have been issued by detectives who are continuing to appeal for information into a violent burglary in Sevenoaks together with photos of jewellery after possessions worth almost £2million were stolen.
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CCTV images of distinctive man on bike
The burglary happened at around 3.55pm on Friday 21 June 2024, when a woman was assaulted by a man who entered a residential property near Wildernesse Golf Club.
The man threatened the victim with what appeared to be a handgun and struck her head with the weapon. After searching the property, he stole valuables which included jewellery and several watches.
Train journeys
Investigating officers have established that on the day of the burglary the suspect was on a bicycle and used trains to travel between the Staplehurst and Sevenoaks areas.
His movements were as follows:
- On heading to the crime scene, the suspect cycled to Staplehurst train station before boarding a train to Sevenoaks, which arrived at 10.25am.
- The suspect left the crime scene at around 4.35pm and this time cycled a route which led him to Hildenborough train station.
- At 5.38pm he took a train from Hildenborough to Tonbridge.
- At 5:47pm he caught a connecting service to Marden.
- At just after 6pm, the suspect exited Marden train station and cycled back to Staplehurst.
Officers have identified several CCTV images of a man they want to identify. He was wearing a face mask, cream coloured baseball cap and had trainers with distinctive red soles. When he was cycling he also wore a high visibility top.
His bicycle was a road bike with silver brake callipers. It had drop handlebars, with additional vertical ‘time trial’ bars in the middle. The right-hand time trial bar had a large light attached to it. The bike had a small bag underneath the rear of the saddle.
Extensive house-to-enquiries have been carried out across several areas, as officers collate evidential opportunities from CCTV and dashcams.
They continue to urge residents and drivers to check for any important footage and are particularly keen to hear from those who live and drive in the Staplehurst and Marden areas.
DI Maxine Harris said:
‘We are extremely grateful to the communities in Marden, Staplehurst and Sevenoaks for the help they have already provided to the investigation team in finding the person responsible for this callous and violent assault, on a lone woman.
‘The man we want to locate would have stood out in a facemask and we know from CCTV footage that fellow train passengers looked in his direction, distracted by his distinctive appearance.
‘I believe that despite his face being covered someone will know him. I am urging anyone who may have seen him, or recognises him to please call us immediately.
‘Whilst it is possible the suspect has strong connections to the Staplehurst area, we are not discounting that he may live outside of Kent and could also be linked to several other similar offences. He should not be approached.’
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Some of the stolen jewellery
At least 50 items were reported stolen during the burglary, and these include several rings, pendants and watches. Some of the stolen items are pictured and officers are urging anyone who may have been offered them for sale to contact them.
If you have any information which may assist the investigation call Kent Police on 01622 604100, quoting reference 46/102682/24. If you would prefer to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111, or by using the online form. CCTV and dashcam images can be uploaded through our online portal.