A Welwyn Garden City man has been arrested suspicion of going equipped to steal after he was stopped by officers on a late night patrol.

Officers from Operation Scorpion spotted a blue Seat Ibiza in Tewin Road on Wednesday, October 16, and when the car was searched they found various items including tools.

The vehicle was seized and officers arrested the driver, a 21-year-old man from Welwyn Garden City, on suspicion of going equipped to steal.

He has been bailed while enquiries continue.

A motorbike that was parked next to the car failed to stop for the officers. Enquiries are ongoing to trace the driver.

PC Tom Cross, from Operation Scorpion, said: "Vehicle theft has a huge impact on victims and we do not underestimate the anguish and financial worry it causes. We hope this news gives some peace of mind to residents that we are tackling the issue.

"We’d encourage the public to work with us by reporting any suspicious activity they see. Please don’t hesitate to get in contact so that we can take action."

You can report information online at herts.police.uk/report, via online web chat at herts.police.uk/contact, or by calling the non-emergency number 101.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.