The power of social media may have helped catch a sticky-fingered cake shop thief.

An independent business released CCTV images of a man walking in through the front door of Cakeology in Raynes Park before taking £140 in cash from the till.

The company shared the footage and the story on this newspaper's website on its Facebook page, which was in turn shared over 600 times, and attracted a string of comments in support.

The CCTV footage taken from the shop in Kingston Road was viewed 20,000 times.

One of the viewers was a local police officer who thought he recognised the man.

Laura George, who owns Cakeology, said she was delighted the suspect has now been charged.

Miss George said: "It is amazing the powers of social media.

"It wasn’t until a police officer saw him on our CCTV that it clicked."

The impact of the loss of a morning’s takings has been felt in the business, which specialises in the art of cakes and decorating supplies, with cake making master classes an additional extra.

It has increased its security measures, although the burglary on Easter Saturday, April 4, was the first time it has been targeted in four years.

Miss George added: "We spent the next few days increasing security measures but we have to carry on and get things done.

"The cakes can’t wait."

They removed the key from the till, where it had been kept and bought a sensor for the door which they hope will act as a deterrent.

"I would like an apology," added Miss George.

*25 year-old Christopher Rost-Aldridge, of no fixed address, was charged on April 9 with four counts of burglary and four counts of theft and one count of making off without payment.

Mr Rost-Aldridge has been remanded in custody and will appear before the magistrates court in due course.