A man from Harpenden has pleaded guilty to a series of petrol thefts across the town and in Borehamwood.

Nicholas Wood, 27, of Leyton Road, was arrested on July 29, after police picked up his number plates on CCTV.

Wood claimed his plates had been cloned but officers were able to determine he was responsible, using CCTV footage.

He was charged with four offences of stealing fuel from petrol stations which took place between May 16 and June 23.

Wood appeared at St Albans Magistrates Court on September 15, where he pleaded guilty to all of the offences.

He was ordered to serve 100 hours community service and to pay costs and compensation of £186.

PCSO Gavin Wright, said: "Criminals need to be aware that Hertfordshire Constabulary takes the theft of fuel seriously and we will track down offenders and bring them to justice.

"In this case Wood was claiming he wasn’t responsible for the crimes but we could clearly prove he was."