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A stolen vehicle will be returned to its owner thanks to the vigilance of a Folkestone and Hythe District Council parking officer who reported his suspicions to Kent Police.
The enforcement officer was working in the Foord Road area of Folkestone when he noticed a Vauxhall van which he believed had changed its registration plate.
After discussing his concerns with a local PCSO and his supervisor, the matter was referred to the Folkestone Community Safety Unit.
Further enquiries established that the vehicle had been stolen in Essex in March and, on Friday 22 April 2022, police officers attended and seized the vehicle.
Arrest
A 32-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle and has since been released pending further investigation.
Detective Inspector Sheena Barrell, of Folkestone Community Safety Unit, said: ‘This is an excellent example of where partnership working has assisted an investigation into an offence.
‘I would like to praise this enforcement officer for his curiosity and perceptiveness, which led to the recovery of a stolen vehicle and the arrest of a suspect.’
Detective Inspector Sheena Barrell