Find local news in Kent

Home   Tunbridge Wells   News   Article

Windows smashed at Hospices of Hope charity shops in Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge, Otford and Faversham

17:08, 03 July 2020

updated: 17:16, 03 July 2020

Hospices of Hope has become the victim of a spate of attacks at its charity shops across Kent.

Police are seeking information after reports windows have been deliberately broken at stores in Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and near Sevenoaks over the past month, costing the organisation around £30,000.

The Hospices of Hope shop in Tonbridge High Street was targeted at the end of last month. Picture: Google street view
The Hospices of Hope shop in Tonbridge High Street was targeted at the end of last month. Picture: Google street view

The latest was on Wednesday, where the Hopsices of Hope shop in Mount Pleasant Road, Tunbridge Wells had its front and side windows shattered during the night.

Officers believe the damage may be linked to previous offences at other locations.

On Sunday night, windows were broken at a store in Tonbridge High Street, while on Tuesday, June 9 a branch in Otford High Street was targeted.

The charity has also reported damage to shops in Faversham and Bexley, and in areas outside of Kent, including Pimlico in central London.

In total, Hospices of Hope has 16 outlets in Kent, London, Surrey, London and Scotland.

Inspector Dave Higham of the Tunbridge Wells Community Safety Unit said: "These offences have cost the charity around £30,000 to repair.

"We are keeping an open mind as to whether all of these incidents are linked and the possible motive and urging anyone who may have seen anything suspicious to contact us.

"We are also asking nearby businesses, some of which may have recently been closed during the Covid-19 restrictions, to check their CCTV systems."

If you have any information call Kent Police on 01622 604100, quoting reference 46/111918/20. You can also contact Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or by clicking here.

To get the latest updates in ongoing cases, police appeals and criminals put behind bars, click here.

Read more: All the latest news from Tunbridge Wells

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More