Defibrillator recovered after alleged theft at Sittingbourne leisure centre

A Sittingbourne leisure centre has had its defibrillator returned after a swift response from officers.

Kent Police was called at 10.44pm on Thursday 22 October 2026 to reports of a man trespassing in Swallows Leisure Centre in Central Avenue.

A man had been spotted on CCTV cameras inside the closed building.

Officers attended and found an individual in the sports hall, attempting to hide between mats. A defibrillator that the leisure centre had reported missing earlier that day and a saw were found next to him.

Arrest

A man in his 50s from Stoke on Trent was subsequently arrested on suspicion of burglary and going equipped for burglary.

He was released on conditional bail until 22 January 2027 while enquiries into the circumstances continue.