A man will appear in court accused of taking pictures under the skirts of female shoppers without their permission.

Hertfordshire Constabulary says Colin Hitch, 57, of Flaunden Lane, Bovingdon, has been charged with five up-skirting offences.

Hitch was arrested on July 8 on suspicion of voyeurism and subsequently charged with five offences relating to recording or operating equipment under clothing without consent.

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A number of suspected up-skirting incidents are said to have taken place in supermarkets in Hemel Hempstead and Baldock without the alleged victims being aware, until a member of the public became suspicious and reported it.

Hitch appeared at St Albans Magistrates Court on July 9 where he was remanded in custody and will appear at St Albans Crown Court on August 8.

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Detective Inspector Ben Smith said: “We are committed to keeping women and girls safe and we take reports of this nature very seriously.

“This investigation continues and we would encourage anyone who has any information that could assist our enquiries to come forward and speak to us as soon as possible.”

Anyone who believes they may have been a victim in this case should contact rebecca.hargrave@herts.police.uk or call 101 quoting crime reference 41/54519/22.

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