A Good Samaritan who helped with the conviction of a repeat thief when he blocked his escape from a store with his car has criticised Herts Police for their lack of professionalism.

The man, who wanted to remain anonymous, delayed the escape of 26-year-old Gareth Chumber-Kelley, of Enfield, when he stole £750 worth of items from Marks & Spencer in London Colney earlier this year and attempted to drive off.

Chumber-Kelley rammed the man’s car repeatedly, causing £1,000 worth of damage, but not before the Good Samaritan had snapped his picture which helped lead to Chumber-Kelley’s arrest and conviction.

The man said: “I did everything for them which enabled the police to secure an excellent conviction and sentence.”

But the man has since criticised Herts Police after they did not submit the £250 insurance loss to the court, which could have been lodged against the defendant, because they forgot the claim form.

He added: “I am starting to understand why the public are resistant to help the police at times and I cannot believe they have treated me like this. It shows a disregard for the simple interests of the witness and their needs.

“The police negligence, incompetence and lack of interest has therefore meant that I have not had my legal right maintained, and this criminal has been able to get away with the cost he has incurred.”

The man said that when he spoke to the officer involved he responded by telling him how he could make a formal complaint.

Insp Adam Such, from the St Albans Neighbourhood Team, said: “We do very much appreciate the actions of this man outside M&S in London Colney, which led to police apprehending a shoplifter and bringing him to justice.

“However, as the man has submitted a formal complaint to Hertfordshire Constabulary regarding his claim for costs it would be inappropriate to comment any further about this matter at this stage.”