Kentish Express Ashford & District
Witness tells of dramatic chase of suspected thieves
A shopper has described how a group of teenagers suspected of stealing trainers from a retail outlet ran off towards railway tracks as they were pursued by security guards.
Guards from the Ashford Designer Outlet were joined by a police community support officer (PCSO) and officers from the British Transport Police in the chase at 4.15pm on Wednesday of last week.
Eyewitness Bradley Woollett said he had walked out of Asda when he saw the group of youths sprinting away from the stores in Kimberley Way, heading towards the railway line.
He said: “I was walking between Asda and Park Farm via the Willesborough dykes when three teenagers ran past me, closely followed by a security guard from the outlet.
“The teenagers then scaled the railway fence adjacent to the path and made their way onto the Ashford to Brighton railway line, which they ran along toward Park Farm.
“The guards and PCSO even- tually caught up with the boys, although they refrained from going on the tracks.
“They kept running towards Hamstreet and were eventually removed at the East Stour foot crossing near Park Farm with the assistance of the British Transport Police. They were taken away in a police car.”
British Transport Police confirmed that officers were called shortly after 4.10pm after three individuals were seen running on the tracks.
A BTP spokesman said: “We attended alongside Kent Police, and they were detained and given a Community Resolution Order for trespass.
“To be given the order the suspects have to show remorse. They have been given a talk about the dangers of the tracks by Network Rail staff and educated about the risks.”
Meanwhile Danny Sullivan, an account manager for Four Rain Communications, which represents the McArthur Glen Designer Outlet, said: “We can confirm that a shoplifting incident took place at the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet in Ashford.
“Those involved were apprehended by the British Transport Police and the matter is now in the hands of the Kent Police.”
‘The teenagers then scaled the railway fence adjacent to the path and made their way onto the Ashford to Brighton railway line’