A man has been charged after a CCTV operator spotted suspicious activity.

At around 12.40pm, on April 22, police were called to Boots on the St Peters Street via the St Albans’ Business Against Crime radio network, after CCTV had been alerted to a man allegedly acting suspiciously in the store.

A man was stopped and within minutes, a member of the public reported that their mobile phone was missing. Police conducted a search and the phone was located.

Catalin-Dumitru Niculae, age 33 of no fixed address, was charged with theft from a person and has been released on bail to appear before Central and Western Hertfordshire Magistrates Court on May 8.

Ann-Marie Owen, St Albans’ Safer Neighbourhood Team Sergeant, said: "This is another great example of our partnership working with St Albans City and District Council’s Community Protection Team.

"Having direct links with each other via the Business Against Crime radio network is invaluable, as it means we are able to respond quickly to reports of suspicious people.

"We regularly have PCSOs and police officers patrolling the high street to ensure visitors have a safe and enjoyable shopping experience in St Albans but to also act as a deterrent to potential thieves."

St Albans Council Principal Community Protection Officer Neil Kieran said: "I am very pleased that we were able to return the stolen property to the victim in this case so quickly - these crimes can have a serious impact on the people involved.

"Tackling pick pockets is a top priority for the Community Safety Partnership and we will all continue to ensure that St Albans is a hostile environment for criminals."