A suspected shoplifter has been arrested after allegedly stealing alcohol from a Waitrose store.

Luke Willis, from Orpington, was detained within 30 minutes due to a rapid alert system for retailers in Tonbridge.

At around 4.15pm on Monday 30 January 2023, a broadcast was made over the Safer Towns Partnership radio network, after several bottles of alcohol were stolen from the supermarket.

The communications hub is linked to shops and business throughout the town and helps to detect and combat crime, as well other issues including anti-social behaviour.

It is also monitored by patrolling constables and by 4.40pm a suspect had been located by a responding officer and arrested.

Willis, 28 of Shoreham Road, was taken into custody and later charged with two counts of theft, which also included an alleged incident on 21 December 2022 where clothing was stolen from a Marks and Spencer store in Sevenoaks.

He is bailed to appear before Sevenoaks Magistrates' Court on March 2.