Two 17-Year-Old Boys Charged Over Canterbury Debenhams Fire
Kent Police have charged two teenagers following a fire at the disused department store on 2 December 2024.
The familiar sight of emergency vehicles blocking Canterbury High Street has led to formal charges against two local youths. Kent Police announced today that two 17-year-old boys will face court over the fire that engulfed the former Debenhams store last month.
For their part, the blaze forced authorities to shut roads around the city centre on 2 December 2024, disrupting Christmas shopping and daily commutes. Kent Police worked alongside firefighters to manage the incident at the vacant retail site that’s become a magnet for trouble since Debenhams collapsed in 2021.
Court Date Set for April
Both teenagers are scheduled to appear at Folkestone Magistrates’ Court on 14 April. The charges mark the latest development in what’s become a recurring problem across Kent’s high streets – empty shops attracting anti-social behaviour and worse.
Canterbury’s former Debenhams joins a growing list of derelict retail sites that have seen suspicious fires. The department store chain’s closure left gaping holes in town centres across the county, and many have since become focal points for youth-related incidents.
The Bigger Picture
Kent Fire and Rescue Service’s latest figures paint a concerning picture. Arson accounted for 14% of primary fires they attended in 2023/24, as Canterbury alone recorded 127 deliberate fires – a 5% increase from the previous year.
These aren’t just statistics on a spreadsheet. Each incident means road closures, diverted emergency resources, and genuine fear for residents living near these abandoned buildings.
The Debenhams site shows the challenge facing Canterbury and similar Kent towns. What was once a bustling retail anchor now stands empty, its boarded windows and neglected facade a stark reminder of changing shopping habits and economic pressures.
Key Takeaways
- Two 17-year-old boys charged over fire at former Canterbury Debenhams on 2 December 2024
- Court appearance scheduled for Folkestone Magistrates’ Court on 14 April 2025
- Canterbury recorded 127 deliberate fires in 2023/24, representing a 5% annual increase
What This Means for Kent Residents
If you live or work near empty retail premises, stay vigilant about suspicious activity and report concerns to Kent Police on 101. The charges in this case demonstrate that authorities are taking arson seriously, but prevention remains better than prosecution. Business owners with vacant properties should consider additional security measures, even as parents might want to discuss the serious legal consequences of fire-setting with teenagers who may not fully grasp the dangers involved.
Source: @kent_police
Published: 2 April 2026