A St Albans woman has been charged with theft after she was arrested by Special Constables who were patrolling the city centre.

Following an anti-shoplifting operation, which took place on Saturday, January 4 from 9am to 5pm Janine Brooks, 24, of Bardwell Court in St Albans, was arrested and charged with two counts of theft.

Brooks has been released on bail and is due to appear at Central West Hertfordshire Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, January 14.

Four Special Constables took part in the operation and carried out both covert and high visibility patrols.

David Lloyd, Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire, said: “This operation shows what an excellent contribution Special Constables play in tackling suspected criminals who, in this instance, were targeting shops in St Albans.

“Specials play a vital role in keeping the county safe and are often deeply involved in operational work. My policing plan for Hertfordshire is for more people, like the Specials who took part in this operation on Saturday, to get involved and to play their part in helping to keep crime low in the county.”

Neighbourhood Inspector Mark Loveday added: “I am extremely grateful for our Special Constables giving up their time to help keep St Albans’ town centre a safe place to visit. We will continue to carry out both high visibility and covert patrols to deter would-be thieves and catch shoplifters.”