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Chatham teenager charged with theft and assault after attack on vape store worker

12:05, 12 January 2023

updated: 15:27, 12 January 2023

A teenager has been charged in connection with a series of attacks and thefts at vape shops.

The 14-year-old boy from Chatham was previously arrested on suspicion of two counts of theft from a shop, common assault and possessing an adult firework.

CCTV footage showed a staff member rushing to the door to stop a group of teenagers attempting to gain entry to TJ's E-cigarette shop
CCTV footage showed a staff member rushing to the door to stop a group of teenagers attempting to gain entry to TJ's E-cigarette shop

He was on bail until February 18 but has since been charged.

The charges encompass two separate incidents – one in TJ's E-cigarette shop in Strood on December 10 and another at a business in Chatham on October 23.

A vape shop worker from TJ's shop was left shaken and dazed after teenagers forced their way into the shop last month.

CCTV footage showed a staff member rushing to the door in an effort to stop the attackers gaining entry to the shop which the manager said had been targeted previously.

On the same day, a group of teens were also seen targeting S&J News in Rochester and stole vapes.

Ellie Warwick, general manager for TJ's, which owns 15 shops around Kent, previously told KentOnline she believes vape shops have become targets due to the popularity of disposable vapes.

She said the rise in popularity was partly due to TikTok trends involving certain brands.

The 14-year-old teenager was bailed upon charge and is due to appear before Medway Magistrates’ Court on Friday January 27.

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