Kent Police continued efforts to disrupt organised criminality across the county through a week of targeted action focused on town centres.
Between 15th and 19th June 2026, officers carried out visits to scores of high street businesses to ensure owners were complying with the law and to identify any premises where criminal activity was suspected to be taking place.
Premises including vape shops, convenience stores, barbers and car washes were visited as part of the operation. Officers were supported by partner agencies including Immigration Enforcement, Trading Standards and local authority teams, demonstrating a coordinated approach to tackling criminality and safeguarding communities.
The enforcement activity resulted in two arrests. A 31-year-old Polish national, wanted by Derbyshire Police on suspicion of going equipped to steal, was arrested near Sevenoaks. A second man, a Vietnamese national, was detained in Dartford on suspicion of modern slavery offences.
Officers also conducted proactive checks on fast-food delivery drivers across the county.
In Dartford, a car and an e-bike were seized, while a moped was seized in Maidstone after its rider was found to be disqualified from driving and uninsured. During the operation, officers issued three Traffic Offence Reports and a Community Resolution Order.
In Maidstone, officers recovered a quantity of nitrous oxide canisters and an axe from a property. Enquiries into the circumstances of these seizures remain ongoing.
Detective Chief Inspector Ricky Bassan said ‘Our town centres should be safe places for residents, workers and visitors, and we are determined to ensure organised crime groups cannot exploit legitimate businesses to facilitate illegal activity.’
