An armed robber was snared and slammed behind bars after cops spotted his distinctive hand tattoo on CCTV.
Tunbridge Wells Armed Shop Heist
Archie Pattullo, 26, threatened a shopkeeper with a knife and grabbed around £1,800 from a High Brooms convenience store on 30 June 2025. Wearing a face covering, he forced staff behind the till and made a quick getaway with the cash.
Tattoo Tip-Off Leads Police to Fugitive
Cops quickly zeroed in on Pattullo thanks to his unique hand tattoo caught on camera. When police went to arrest him at his Chestnut Close home, he had already bolted.
Investigators then uncovered a hoodie, T-shirt, and trainers dumped in a neighbour’s bin — all matching the CCTV images.
He was finally caught in Brighton on 4 July. Phone analysis revealed texts bragging about the stolen loot.
Nearly Four Years Locked Up
Pattullo pleaded guilty to robbery and possession of a bladed weapon. On 25 February 2026, Maidstone Crown Court sentenced him to three years and nine months in prison.
“Pattullo threatened his victim causing him extreme distress, all for the sake of lining his pockets,” said Detective Constable Celia King.
“By spotting his distinctive tattoo, we quickly identified and tracked him down despite him fleeing to another county. This case shows how relentless Kent Police are when chasing criminals.”
