Two men have been charged with shoplifting offences after items were taken from stores in Potters Bar.

Alex Chivers, 44, from Bryanstone Road in Waltham Cross, has been charged with two counts of theft in relation to incidents at Superdrug in Darkes Lane and the Co-op in the High Street, as well as a breach of a Criminal Behaviour Order.

He is currently on bail and is due to appear before St Albans Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, October 22.

Steven Muldoon, 46, from Leicester Road in Barnet, has been charged with theft, criminal damage and a public order offence in connection with an incident at Boots in Darkes Lane on Monday, October 7.

He remains on court bail and is due to appear for trial at St Albans Crown Court on Wednesday, November 6.

Both men were charged as part of a crackdown on shoplifting, with PC Dan Hill, from the Neighbourhood Policing Team, saying: "Theft is a huge issue for retailers and we want to ensure we’re doing all we can to prevent offences from occurring and take action against those who persistently offend.

"Today (October 14) also marks the start of Safer Business Action Week, a national initiative to help tackle business and retail crime in local communities.

"As part of the initiative, police and partners will be holding action days throughout the week and visiting local retailers and other businesses to understand more about the issues they are facing on a daily basis."