Multiple suspected robbers and shoplifters have been arrested in St Albans last week thanks to a new proactive police team.

In Herts police's latest initiative, a force has been set up targeting prolific shoplifting offenders and multiple arrests were made between Monday, 21- Friday, 25 October.

During the week, five men were also detained as they matched the description of a robbery that occurred in Victoria Street on Tuesday, October 22.

Shoplifting arrests last week included:

Sophia James, 22, and of no fixed-abode in Stevenage, was stopped on Tuesday, October 22 and arrested on suspicion of stealing alcohol from Marks and Spencer. She was subsequently charged and is due to appear before court on November 8.

On Wednesday, October 23, a 20-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of shoplifting and was later issued with a conditional caution.

Officers also arrested Roy Stallard, 44, of New Kent Road in St Albans on suspicion of shoplifting. He was detained in London Road and has since been charged. He will appear at court on November 5.

On the same day, police also linked a man to two other shoplifting offences. One was a theft that had been reported earlier in the day at the Co-op, and the other was a shoplifting offence in South Mimms.

Benjamin McMahon 37, of Gorham Drive, St Albans, was arrested and charged in connection with the offences. He appeared at on Friday, October 25, where he pleaded guilty. According to police, McMahon will be sentenced Monday, November 4.

Lester Hedley, 24 and of Trumper Road in Stevenage, was arrested in St Peters Street on suspicion of stealing aftershave from Boots. He was subsequently charged and is due to appear before the court on November 8.

On Friday, October 25, officers rounded off the week on with a further two arrests.

Another man was detained after it was believed that he had concealed items on his person in TK Maxx.

A 38-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of theft of a bicycle worth £2,000. The man, Carl Legg, of no fixed abode, was subsequently charged and remanded.

Additionally, patrols around Morrisons in Hatfield Road saw officers engage with security staff and sign them up to the St Albans business hub.

A number of people were also stopped for searches during the week due to previous information linking them to criminal activity.

Chief Inspector Martin Turpin, who heads the local command for the St Albans district said: “We are working closely with our local businesses and partners; and I hope these results will provide reassurance that we are starting to see a tangible positive impact in tackling prolific shoplifting offenders in St Albans."

Locals can use the community voice platform ‘echo’ to let police know what they should be prioritising in the area. Feedback will help towards shaping local policing priorities, initiatives, and campaigns.

To do so visit bit.ly/hertspolice-psf.

You can also join community messaging platform Herts Connected, at hertsconnected.co.uk.