A Welwyn Garden City man has been charged with shoplifting offences after items worth £2,500 were stolen from John Lewis.

Robert Osborn, of Stanborough Close, was arrested on Monday, July 31, on suspicion of four counts of shoplifting at John Lewis.

After being arrested by the Welwyn Hatfield Safer Neighbourhood Team, the 49-year-old was charged, remanded in custody and appeared at Hatfield Magistrates’ Court the following day.

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He pleaded guilty and was remanded to prison ahead of his sentencing at St Albans Magistrates’ Court.

"I hope this news reassures the local community that we will always take action against shoplifters," said PC Cameron Abraham, from the SNT.

"Shoplifting can often be associated with other criminality so we are keen to do all we can to stamp it out.

"We will continue to support local shops and businesses and would urge them to continue to contact us if an offence is taking place so we can attend and take swift action."