Faversham: Man receives caution and another is released without charge after town centre rampage
00:00, 18 April 2016
updated: 08:44, 18 April 2016
A man has escaped serious punishment for his part in a town centre vandalism spree which left a trail of destruction across Faversham.
The 23-year-old received a caution after admitting causing damage to one building during the late-night rampage.
Many other shops and cars were also damaged, and two other men, also aged 23, remain on bail.
Another man, aged 21, was arrested after the vandalism but has been released without charge.
Police were called to both Upper Brents and Preston Street at around 11pm on February 12 after windows of businesses were smashed and car wing mirrors damaged throughout the town.
The businesses affected included Mackay & Co Solicitors, Faversham Furnishing, the Spice Lounge restaurant, Fleur de lis museum and Thomson travel agents.
There were also reports of broken windows in Gatefield Lane and Patridge Lane and wing mirrors being broken in St John's Road and William Street.
Owner of Mackay & Co Richard Murr said at the time: "The glass has been smashed at the front.
"There are a number of paving stones outside the front of the shop where roadworks are taking place so that may have something to do with it.
"The windows will need replacing and are boarded up at the moment. It's not too much of a nuisance for us but it's just the expense of it all."
Clive Foreman, from the Fleur de Lis museum, said: "I was called out just before midnight by our security guys.
"On my way home I could see the amount of damage through the town centre.
"We now have everything under control and we are open for business as usual. It's just a shame it happened."
A car was damaged and the window of a house was broken in Upper Brents shortly before the carnage unfolded in Preston Street.
Inspector Richard Smeed said: "It is important to remember that this is a live investigation and that those suspected of committing these offences remain on bail.
"Our officers have put in a lot of hard work and carried out a significant number of enquiries over the last two months, and the evidence they have gathered will now be submitted for the Crown Prosecution Service to decide whether charges should be brought.
"The victims in this case have been kept updated throughout the investigation and have been satisfied with the service they have received to date."