CCTV captures plain-clothes officer chasing shoplifting suspect in Tunbridge Wells

Kent Police released footage showing a plain-clothes officer pursuing an alleged repeat shoplifter who drove away in an Audi in Tunbridge Wells.

Kent Police posted the CCTV footage on social media, describing it as capturing the moment a plain-clothes officer gave chase after a suspected repeat shoplifter left the scene in an Audi. The force did not publish the suspect’s name, age or address, and no court outcome has been verified.

The incident forms part of a broader operation by Kent Police targeting retail theft in Tunbridge Wells, involving targeted patrols, plain-clothes officers, community engagement and work with local businesses. Kent Police reported that shoplifting offences in Tunbridge Wells fell from 252 to 190 in the comparison period cited in its retail-theft update — a reduction of almost 25 per cent.

Kent Police also promotes the Shop Safe radio initiative, which allows shop workers to contact on-duty officers directly. The force encourages businesses to report incidents and engage with local officers on preventative measures. CCTV is used to identify suspects and support investigations, according to its own published guidance.

Source: @kent_police

Published: 1 October 2026