A man was arrested for burglary in St Albans after being spotted stealing keys by an eagle-eyed CCTV operator.
The operator, who works for St Albans District Council, saw a man acting suspiciously at Subway in Chequer Street at 3.45am on Tuesday, June 25.
He alerted the police, who arrived moments later and arrested 36-year-old Ben Kempster, of William Street in Luton.
Kempster was charged with burglary (other than a dwelling) and remanded in custody.
He appeared at Hatfield Remand Court on Wednesday, June 26 and was given a two-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, ordered to pay £200 in costs and given a rehabilitation order.
Safer Neighbourhood Inspector Andy Wiseman said: "Without the quick-thinking of the CCTV operator alerting us to Kempster seen on camera stealing keys, we would not have been able to bring him back before the courts.
"He has a record of offending and committed this burglary whilst on licence.
"This partnership working with CCTV operators helps to keep the St Albans district safer."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here