Suspect arrested following reported distraction theft in Maidstone

A suspect has been arrested following a report of distraction theft at a shop in Maidstone.

At around 4.05pm on Monday 15 June 2026, two men reportedly approached an elderly woman as she exited a store near Sittingbourne Road.

It is alleged one man distracted the victim with conversation while the second took a purse from her bag.

The suspects allegedly then left the scene by car towards Bearsted Road.

Arrested

Following initial enquiries, officers attended an address in London on Wednesday 17 June and arrested a 27 year old Romanian national on suspicion of theft and fraud by false representation.

He has since been bailed pending further enquiries and an investigation is ongoing to identify the second suspect.

Appeal

Anyone with information is urged to call the west Kent appeals line on 01622 604100, quoting reference 46/96340/26.