A chance encounter has led to the arrest of one man in connection with the burglary of a Broadstairs newsagents.
Victory News in Nelson Place was raided overnight on September 26. Owner Richard Chamberlain, who has run the store for some 16 years, says £350 cash including charity money for the Cheerful Sparrows ward at QEQM Hospital, some £4,500 worth of cigarettes and alcohol were taken during the break in.
He released CCTV where one man can be seen rummaging around in the store and filling a bag with goods including beer.
An arrest has been made after Richard spotted two people the following day, struggling with a large bag in Queens Road and had a ‘spidey sense’ about the situation.
He said: “I was driving back from Bookers after spending a fortune on more cigarettes. I was going up Queens Road when I saw the two people crossing the street and struggling with a big bag.
“I thought ‘I bet I know what’s in that bag’ it was like a spidey sense. I pulled over and Darren, my UPS driver, was also there. I went over and asked what was in the bag and inside were all my spirits.
“The girl ran off and then the bloke ran but I chased him and grabbed him by the scruff of the neck and marched him back. Police were called and he was arrested.”
A Kent Police spokesperson confirmed the arrest, saying: “A 39-year-old man of no fixed address was arrested on September 27 on suspicion of burglary and handling stolen goods.
“He has been released on police bail until October 25 whilst enquiries continue.”
