Barber’s fury after police in riot gear raid his shop
A town centre barber has hit out at police after a “heavy-handed” raid on his business.
Adam Alatar, who owns Adam’s Barbers in Week Street, Maidstone, described the moment police burst into his shop at lunch time last Wednesday.
More than a dozen officers, some dressed in riot gear, entered the businesses accompanied by sniffer dogs and immigration enforcement.
He said: “They wouldn’t let me stand and stopped customers leaving and took their details.
“Of course it has impacted on business.
“One of my employees didn’t come in the day after because of the stress.”
Mr Alatar’s business phone and a staff member’s were removed, along with an ID card – believed to have been misplaced by a customer – and bank receipts.
One man, who was visiting Mr Alatar while on holiday from Tunisia, was arrested on suspicion of possessing a false ID.
He was led away in handcuffs and put in the back of a police van before being promptly released. Mr Alatar’s shop and the vacant room above were searched.
Neighbouring Starburger was also searched and had to close during the lunch time peak.
Elle Mohammed, a lawyer and friend of Mr Alatar, said a formal complaint had been made, adding: “We’re still none the wiser as to what was going on.”
Mr Alatar said: “It was really heavy-handed. We don’t even smoke cigarettes, let alone get involved in anything like that.
“They didn’t explain why they were there and only produced a warrant when they’d finished searching the place.”
Kent Police confirmed officers executed a planned warrant under the Theft Act and said the operation remains active.
A spokesman said: “The warrant covered two premises and was for both police and immigration officials.
“Copies were left with both owners and always include the reasons for execution.
“The execution of this warrant by police was proportionate and in accordance to national guidelines.”