Bluewater apologises after shoppers robbed in gang attacks
12:52, 02 January 2020
updated: 13:03, 02 January 2020
Bluewater shopping centre has apologised to the victims of a series of robberies this week.
Police were called to the complex in Greenhithe after 7pm on Monday following reports of gangs carrying out attacks.
Three robberies and two attempted robberies were reported and the father of one 15-year-old victim took to Facebook to slam the shopping centre for a lack of compassion.
Bluewater has since issued an apology on Facebook and Twitter.
"We would like to apologise to those affected by the incidents of theft that took place at Bluewater on Monday," they said in a statement. "The safety and security of our staff and guests is always our highest priority and we take all instances of theft very seriously. As this is a live police investigation, we cannot comment on details of the case, but we can confirm that on the evening itself two teenagers were detained and arrested on-site by Kent Police. We would like to reiterate that as Detective Inspector Martin Carter said: 'Reports like these are rare but unacceptable nevertheless.'
"To reassure guests, please note that we have not reduced the presence of security or police at Bluewater. We continue to have a 24-hour security team and work closely with the Kent Police team who are based on site. We regularly review our security procedures, and we will review how we can improve support for our guests."
Following a search of the area, officers arrested two 17-year-old boys from London on suspicion of robbery.
They have since been released on bail pending further inquiries until Thursday January 23.
If anyone witnessed any of the incidents taking place and hasn't spoken to an officer, they are urged to call police on 01474 366 149 quoting 30-1219.
Alternatively call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or complete the online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
