The four Neighbourhood Policing officers were carrying out targeted patrols in the city’s shopping area earlier this month when they spotted the pair acting suspiciously.
Seeing them go to the back of the store, they acted swiftly, arresting both males on suspicion of attempted robbery, and recovering some 26 iPhones.
Neighbourhood Inspector Paul Caro said: “I hope this news reassures the community that our officers are working hard with local retailers to help tackle robbery and shoplifting, both uniformed and plain-clothes officers.
“Without knowing about what weapons they may have had, or threat posed, the officers acted on instinct and entered the store to catch the offenders in the act and make the arrests.
“Stealing from shops and businesses is not a victimless crime – it impacts on the stores and their employees but also leads to an increase in prices for all and really concerns people living and working locally. Cracking down on robbery and shoplifting remains a real priority in the St Albans district.”
He added: “The store involved thanked our team for their professional and calm reassurance to staff saying they showed exceptional vigilance by identifying suspicious behaviour, maintaining observations, and ultimately detaining the suspects, putting themselves in harm’s way to protect the public and effect the arrests.”
The suspects, a 16-year-old boy from Dulwich, London, and a 17-year-old boy from Chelmsford, Essex, also arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police officer, were bailed on Thursday, August 7, for further enquiries to take place.
You can report information online at herts.police.uk/report, or call the non-emergency number 101. In an emergency, always dial 999.
Alternatively, you can stay 100 per cent anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
0 Comments