Two arrests have been made and an eight-inch hunting knife recovered, following increased police patrols in a rural town centre.

After a spike in reports of burglaries and vehicle crimes, enhanced patrols, including plain-clothed officers, carried out a week-long operation focussing their efforts on areas of Paddock Wood, including the train station.

On August 24 officers spotted two men acting suspiciously in a black Volkswagen Polo in Transfesa Road.

When approached, one man attempted to leave the scene on foot and the other was detained on suspicion of drugs-related offences.

A search led to the seizure of a knife and both were arrested in connection with weapons offences.

Charlie Watson, 20, of Ringden Avenue, and Owen Warner, 21, of Ribston Gardens, have since been charged with possession of an offensive weapon and bailed pending a hearing at Sevenoaks Magistrates’ Court on September 24.

During the operation, constables also seized two uninsured vehicles and issued 22 Traffic Offence Reports (TORs) for a variety of offences, including speeding, driving without a licence, using a mobile device while driving, and failing to wear a seatbelt.

PC Ronnie Barrett said: “The key focus of this operation was to identify and intercept suspects looking to commit theft of motor vehicle offences, and engage with members of the public to provide reassurance and maintain the confidence of the local community.

“We will continue to ensure an increased police presence in Paddock Wood to detain known repeat offenders, identify potential perpetrators, and stop suspects before they have the chance to wreak havoc on the rural town.”