A STUNNED business owner who handed out 100 wanted posters featuring a picture of a thief was told the take them down as they “breach the suspect’s rights”.

James Callaghan, who owns Blue Sky Printing, in Sir Isaacs Walk, decided to take action after capturing crystal clear footage of a man stuffing a £250 tablet computer into his jacket.

The thief then picked up a leaflet and briefly chatted with a shop assistant before calmly leaving the shop.

Mr Callaghan, 30, quickly alerted the police, before spreading the man’s image far and wide.

But he claims two community support officers later entered his store to tell him to take the posters down.

Mr Callaghan said: “They said ‘You’re not allowed to have these photos up because of Data Protection’.

“I hadn’t put his name up, just an image of him stealing the tablet.

“I have been around to 100 shops handing out this poster, I’m not going round them all again to get them taken down.

“Police have said they are the only ones who have the authority investigate but I am only trying to help.

“I know the police are stretched and won’t go to the lengths I did, so I am looking out for my own business.”

When the thief later tried to make quick cash selling the tablet in a pawn shop, staff recognised him and managed to get his fingerprints.

They also returned the tablet to Mr Callaghan.

He added: “There still haven’t been any arrests, even though we have fingerprints and have identified him.

“I have been sent pictures of this guy around town.”

As the image was taken from Mr Callaghan’s CCTV footage, he was not in breach of any data protection laws.

An Essex Police spokeswoman said: “As well as looking at our tips on our website, businesses, where possible, should have their own CCTV cameras.

“If they can retain this footage, it often enhances our investigation.

“We would always encourage victims to report crime to us, whether that’s by calling us or by reporting it online.

“We understand business owners may wish to pursue their own investigation, especially where their livelihood is affected, but would like to make it clear that only the police have the authority to fully investigate, solve, and prosecute those responsible for crime.”