Reward for Smart observation

8:11am Wednesday 14th May 2008

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An alert commuter who helped catch a man who was trying to steal a car from Rickmansworth underground station was awarded £300 in a ceremony at St Albans crown court yesterday.

Andrew Lashley noticed a red van that was obstructing the way out of the station in the afternoon of May 4 2006.

He spotted a Mercedes Smart Roadster on its side nearby and a man with a wheel brace nearby.

Mr Lashley rang the Smart car company who contacted the owner.

British Transport Police were called and the man was identified through CCTV and by Mr Lashley at an identification parade. He was arrested for attempted theft.

Judge Marie Catterson said: "In this modern age many people would have shrugged their shoulders, but Mr Lashley had the presence of mind to ring the Smart car company who in turn contacted the owner of the car. He was public spirited and resourceful."