Police arrested a man who apparently had £2,500 worth of phones on him after being alerted to a theft at atria Watford.

Staff at the Apple store in the shopping centre used a ShopWatch radio to report to Herts Police, CCTV operators, and security that a man had stolen two mobile phones on Saturday.

Officers tracked the suspect to Watford High Street station, where they arrested a man in his 20s on suspicion of theft.

Watford Neighbourhood Inspector Dan Jones said: “This is a great example of how the ShopWatch radio can help combat retail crime.

“Due to the quick actions of colleagues at Apple, this incident was escalated promptly to security staff, CCTV operators and officers, which enabled us to arrest a suspect and recover the suspected stolen items.

“If any businesses wish to join the scheme or would like to find out more, please get in touch by contacting Watford@herts.police.uk.”

He has been bailed “pending further enquiries”, a police spokesperson said, adding that the £2,500 in phones was found in his possession.