A man has been fined after pleading guilty to breaking into a garage in Shenley.

Police were called to Cage Pond Road just after 11pm on October 6 after a break-in was spotted by a member of the public.

Officers attended the scene and detained Wayne Craig who was still inside the garage. The crowbar he used to get in was also recovered.

Hertfordshire Constabulary says Craig, 35, of no fixed address, was charged with criminal damage and using threatening/abusive words likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress, which related to offensive comments he made when being arrested.

At St Albans Magistrates' Court on November 2, Craig was fined £150. He was also ordered to pay £50 in compensation to his victim, a £34 victim surcharge and £85 in court costs.

Inspector Rachael Robertson, from the Hertsmere safer neighbourhood team, said: "This quick arrest and charge shows the positive action we can take when the public works with us.

"The person who called police in this case did exactly the right thing in picking up the phone and dialling 999 when she witnessed the break in. It meant officers were able to attend quickly and arrest the offender while he was still inside the garage.

"We work in partnership with the public to keep neighbourhoods safe and I would urge anyone who suspects illegal activity is taking place where they live or work or sees something suspicious to report it to police.

"If a crime is in progress please always dial 999."