Defibrillator returned to Sittingbourne leisure centre after man arrested on suspicion of burglary

A man in his 50s was arrested after officers found him hiding inside the closed Swallows Leisure Centre in Sittingbourne, where a defibrillator reported missing earlier that day was recovered.

Kent Police were called at 10.44pm on Thursday 22 October 2026 after a man was reportedly spotted on CCTV inside the facility on Central Avenue, Sittingbourne. Officers found him hiding between mats in the sports hall. A defibrillator, which the leisure centre had reported missing earlier that day, was found next to him along with a saw.

The man, reported to be in his 50s and from Stoke-on-Trent, was arrested on suspicion of burglary and going equipped for burglary. He was released on conditional bail until 22 January 2027 while enquiries continue. An arrest does not establish guilt.

The defibrillator was returned to Swallows Leisure Centre following the incident.

Source: @kent_police

Published: 3 November 2026