Man arrested on suspicion of stealing from grieving family

The man was arrested by Kent Police on Monday (August 22) following a number of reported distraction thefts in the south east.

Amongst the businesses targeted by a group of thieves was Staplecross Village Stores and Post Office, which is owned by Greg and Viola Zaks.

Money, intended as staff wages, was taken from the till after the thief distracted a member of staff.

The theft, on August 4, happened just days after Kate Zaks’ body was discovered near a railway line in Krakow.

Officers from Sussex Police are due to question the man over the theft shortly.

He will also be quizzed on around 20 other distraction thefts which have taken place at businesses around the Sussex area, including COOK and Webb’s Garden and Home Store, both in Battle.

Other incidents had been reported in Bexhill, Wealden, the Lewes area and Kent.

Sussex Police say the Zaks’ have been informed of the man’s arrest.

Kate Zaks grew up in Staplecross and news of her death shocked the peaceful village.

The 21-year-old, who was studying the History of Art at Canterbury, had been staying with Polish relatives to allow her to do some work experience at an art gallery.

She had told relatives she was going out to meet someone, but her body was discovered nearby at 5am the next day.

It is believed she died after receiving blows to the head.

A man, named in the national press as Miroslav L, aged 44, was later arrested on suspicion of murdering Kate.