“Numerous reports” of someone trying car door handles have led to the arrest of a man in his 60s.

After residents in and around West Watford raised the suspicious behaviour in their roads “officers worked quickly to make an arrest”, Herts Police said.

The suspect, from Watford, was arrested on suspicion of vehicle interference, theft from a vehicle, and theft of a pedal cycle this morning (June 7). He currently remains in custody.

Inspector Dan Jones said: “I’d like to thank all the members of the public who called in to report suspicious behaviour which led to this arrest.

“Our officers have been proactively patrolling parts of West Watford, particularly around the Kingswood and Garston areas.

“Officers have been trying hundreds of car door handles to help prevent residents from being future victims of crime.

"Over 30 vehicles had been left unlocked on one evening alone, meaning these were a prime target for opportunistic thieves.

“Please ensure your vehicle is locked at all times, your valuables are removed when the car is left unattended and that any suspicious activity is reported immediately.”

If someone witnesses suspicious activity around cars, vans, or motorcycles, Herts Police have asked that they call 999 “straight away”.

A spokesperson said: “Officers would rather attend to discover that everything is in order, than miss an opportunity to catch a potential offender.”