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A wave of high-value bicycle thefts plaguing Tunbridge Wells has been brought to a screeching halt, thanks to the eagle-eyed observation of an off-duty police officer!
Since February 10th, 2025, residents of Sovereign Place, King Charles Square, and Grosvenor Park had been left reeling from the theft of their beloved bikes, with bike sheds becoming prime targets.
But justice was just around the corner! On Friday, February 21st, a quick-thinking constable, enjoying some well-deserved time off in Church Road, spotted an individual matching the description of a suspect captured on CCTV. With lightning-fast coordination, on-duty patrols were dispatched, and the man, along with an alleged accomplice, were swiftly located nearby.
Adding to the triumph, officers seized an e-bike, later confirmed to have been stolen from a location near Victoria Road. Further investigation revealed a stash of tools, including an angle grinder, screwdriver, and Allen key, suggesting a well-prepared operation.
The suspects, an 18-year-old from Peckham and a 19-year-old from Orpington, are believed to have travelled to and from Tunbridge Wells by train, indicating a calculated plan. They are also being linked to a robbery at Otford train station.
Both men were arrested and taken into custody, and are currently bailed with conditions, as investigations continue. This successful operation has not only recovered a stolen bike but has also sent a clear message: bike thieves won’t get away with it in Tunbridge Wells!
Residents can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing their streets are safer, thanks to the vigilance of their local police force.