Enhanced Action To Target Wanted Suspects

Targeted action to locate wanted suspects in Swale has led to a series of arrests for offences including a violent assault and fraud.

The arrests follow proactive work by teams across the district to reduce the number of outstanding suspects also linked to offences such as shoplifting and criminal damage.

Over recent days this increased focus has led eight named potential offenders being successfully located. These include a 23-year-old woman who was arrested in connection with allegations of a serious assault with a glass at a premises in Sittingbourne High Street. A man, aged 40, was also successfully detained and later charged in relation to causing criminal damage to properties in Crown Quay Lane, Sittingbourne.

Whilst a significant number of arrests made by Kent Police will often be the result of reactive responses to crimes in action, officers dedicate considerable time and resources to ensuring other suspects do not slip through net. This can include checking through evidence such as CCTV to identify thieves who target businesses, such as supermarkets and small retailers.

On Saturday 30th July, several items were stolen from a Co-op in Faversham and a suspect was actively sought having previously ran from police. The 40-year-old has now been located and interviewed under caution as part of an ongoing investigation.

Officers are also determined that suspects linked to non-recent crimes are also brought to justice. On Wednesday (24th August) a 36-year-old man from Faversham was arrested in connection with allegations he used an employer’s bank card to make multiple fraudulent purchases between January and May 2022, totalling more than £2,000.

Divisional Commander for North Kent, Superintendent Keith Roberts, told SFM: "ensuring an increased focus in identifying and locating outstanding suspects is just one way of providing a robust response to all manner of offences, no matter how small or minor they may seem. A lot of proactive work our officers do remains unseen, however their diligence and determination are crucial in keeping our communities and streets safe."