He didn't realise police officers were waiting in the back of the shop, ready to pounce, after the store had reported several thefts. Bell was caught in the act by officers who swooped in and took him ...

Police officer numbers in England and Wales have been rising for several years, though there are signs this trend may have levelled off, with a handful of forces recording a drop in recent months.

Cops in Lambeth carried out a targeted sting at the Co-Op in Lower Marsh on Monday, after several reports of theft from the store.