Superintendent Rachel Adams, who is area commander of Medway for Kent Police, is alleged to have taken £30 of goods including cosmetics from an Asda superstore near her home.

The alleged offence took place on Bank Holiday Monday August 27.

She was arrested later the same day at her home on the Kings Hill estate near West Malling, Kent.

The store is on the same development which is home to well-off middle class people including Strictly Come Dancing stars Ola and James Jordan.

Supt Adams was questioned before being released on police bail. She was not charged.

She has been charge of policing in Medway since June last year.

She has also temporarily stepped down from her role as vice-chairman of the Medway Community Safety Partnership which is a joint effort by police, council officers and others to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.

Supt Adams, who says she is a keen skier and runner, has previously been deputy area commander in the West Kent area and a Detective Chief Inspector in the Swale area.

After being appointed chief of Medway, she said: "I come from the military, it is a male dominated environment, so I can work very well with my male colleagues.

"I'm enjoying being here already and I'm looking forward to working with the partnerships here."

A spokesman for Kent Police said: "On Monday, August 27, a 46-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of theft in Kings Hill.

"She was released on bail until October 11."