A shoplifter in Crayford managed to escape arrest on Wednesday after a police search, including police dogs, failed to find him.

The search for the man, who is believed to have stolen several items from a shop in Tower Park Road, temporarily closed Crayford station.

Southeastern announced operators at the station had been forced to switch off the power on the line due to a "tresspasser."

Trains running through Crayford were temporarily disrupted as a result of the incident.


After an extensive police search of the area and the station, the man was not found, but the stolen items were recovered and returned to the shop.

A Met Police spokesman said: "Police were called at approximately 12:30hrs on Wednesday, 23 May to reports of a theft from a shop in Crayford.

"A man was reported to have stolen a number of items from a shop in Tower Park Road.

"Officers attended and a search of the local area, including the area around Crayford station, was conducted.

"Police dogs assisted with the search.

"There was no trace of the suspect.

"The items were found and returned to the shop.

"At this stage the investigation is closed; if any further information comes to light it will be investigated."