A SUSPECTED handbag thief has been charged by Bedfordshire Police, on the direction of the Crown Prosecution Service.

Darren Prince, 29, of Langford, has been charged with two counts of theft and two counts of making off without payment of fuel.

He was released on police bail to appear at Bedford Magistrates Court on March 3.

Prince was arrested by members of Biggleswade Safer Neighbourhood Team on Tuesday (Feb 8) following handbag thefts in Manor Close, Langford and Clifton Road, Henlow, that afternoon.

Another man was arrested but what was released on police bail pending further enquiries.

Anyone with information about handbag thefts can contact the Biggleswade Safer Neighbourhood Team, in confidence, on 01234 841212 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.