A man has been charged over numerous crimes including armed robberies and thefts – with seven allegedly happening in Hertsmere.

David Shoubridge, 35, of Downsfield in Hatfield, has been charged with 28 offences committed between November 2022 and July 2023:

-10 x counts of possessing an imitation firearm
-6 x counts of armed robbery
-4 x counts of attempted armed robbery
-4 x counts of theft
-4 x counts of going equipped for theft

A Herts Police spokesperson said most of the alleged crimes were in Hertfordshire, but some were at motorway service stations across the east of England.

The force later confirmed seven were in Hertsmere. More details to follow.

The charge comes following a cross-county police probe into armed robberies across the south-east of England.

Shoubridge appeared at Hatfield Remand Court today (July 10) and was remanded into custody ahead of his next court appearance at St Albans Crown Court on Tuesday, August 8.

Detective Constable George Lewin, of the specialist investigation team, said: “This is a significant result following a protracted and complex investigation, which required numerous police resources from across the county and beyond.

“I want to reiterate to the public that Hertfordshire Constabulary will continue to crack down on serious and violent crime in order to make the county a safer place to live.”