Three men have been arrested following a police car chase after an 81-year-old man's car full of Christmas shopping was stolen from Bluewater.

At 2.30pm on Sunday, November 27 a car entering the shopping centre came to the attention of Kent Police.

Following a police pursuit, ending in Green Streen Green Road, Dartford, three men from London, aged 27, 32 and 43 years old, were arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle.

The arrests follow an appeal for witnesses in connection with an incident at 3.48pm on Tuesday, November 15 where a car was reportedly stolen from an elderly man in the Lower Thames Walkcar park at Bluewater.

The pensioner was sitting in his car with the engine running when he was approached by two men in another vehicle.

These men then spoke to the driver saying there was something dangerous on the back of his car and when the driver got out of the vehicle one of the men then got into the car and drove it away.

The victim had just been Christmas shopping with his wife and was waiting for her when the incident happened.

The stolen vehicle is described as a `Jungle Green Skoda Yeti and bore a `66’ registration plate - it had just over 200 miles on the clock.

Inspector Gary Woodward said: ‘Distraction thefts which target elderly and vulnerable people are particularly callous and Kent Police works hard to bring those responsible to justice.

‘I would advise people to be cautious and on their guard when approached by strangers and to keep all personal belongings with them at all times.’


Officers have bailed the 27-year-old and 32-year-old until Tuesday 21 February 2017 along with the 43-year-old who has been bailed until Wednesday 22 February 2017. 

Anyone with information about the incident can call Kent Police on 01474 366149 quoting reference XY/45719/16.