POLICE have made two arrests after attempted burglaries at premises in Gillingham.

Thieves struck at The Slade Centre, in The Square, at just after midnight on Tuesday, November 2, after forcing entry through the front door, with a charity collection box among items stolen.

While on the scene, police were then called to a fish and chip shop in the High Street.

A spokesperson for The Slade Centre – an exhibition and business space, as well as a cafe – said it ‘could have been a lot worse’.

“We have a very good alarm system, which worked perfectly,” they said.

“It was very frightening and deeply upsetting for us all. Fortunately, no-one was hurt, little was taken and the damage could have been so much worse.

“The hardest part was waiting outside in the middle of the night for the police to arrive. It was cold and dark and I realised that I had never felt so afraid since moving here over 20 years ago.

“But the people who run the Charcoal Grill could not have been kinder. Thank you all so much. Without them it would have been so much harder.

“I must also thank the police who were calm, courteous and thorough. They made a very difficult situation manageable and were just extraordinary.”

Police confirmed they were called at around 12.30am to the Slade Centre incident.

“While at the scene, a further report was received at around 1.12am of an attempted burglary at a fish and chip shop in High Street,” they added.

“A search of the area was conducted and following enquiries, a 38-year-old man from Gillingham, a 41-year-old man and a 43-year-old woman – both from Bournemouth – were arrested on suspicion of burglary.

“They have all been released on police bail while the investigation continues.”

The Slade Centre spokesperson said they would like to see some positives come from the experience, including starting a conversation about how the community could tackle anti-social behaviour and crime in the town.

“We all know there aren’t the number of police on the streets that there once were,” they said.

“I think there has to be a way communities can come together and let people know that that kind of behaviour is not acceptable.

“I wonder if there is more we can all do to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in our town and to provide support for those unfortunate enough to be victims of such behaviour.”

They urged anyone with thoughts on the idea to visit the cafe at The Slade Centre, which is open from 9am to 4pm Tuesday to Fridays, until 2pm on Saturdays.