TWO men have been charged after a high value perfume theft from a Thurrock shopping retail park store.

Officers were alerted by security to an ongoing incident in Boots on the The Junction Retail Park, Western Avenue, in West Thurrock at 3.30am on Tuesday, 8 September.

They reported suspects wearing balaclavas and carrying hammers and appeared to be using wheelie bins to carry the items taken from the shelves.

Officers were quickly at the scene and saw two men in the car park with mopeds. Both attempted to make off, with one stopped by an officer on foot and one found hiding in a bush.

Both men were taken into custody and questioned with items worth up to £47,000 recovered.

Two men have now been charged in connection with the incident.

Anthony Wordley, 37, of no fixed address has been charged with burglary and going equipped for burglary.

George Fullager, 37, of Church View, Aveley, has been charged with burglary, going equipped for burglary and possession of a knife or bladed article in a public place.

Both were due to appear at Southend Magistrates' Court today, Wednesday 9 September.

Thurrock district police commander Chief Inspector Danny Barnes said: "This is a great example of the work our officers carry out every day that often isn't seen by the public.

"Following reports of a burglary at Boots, officers were on scene within minutes, quickly identified and arrested two suspects, and recovered a significant quantity of stolen goods.

"We understand the impact these incidents have on businesses, their staff and their customers. Retail crime is not victimless, and we continue to work closely with our partners at Lakeside and businesses across Thurrock to identify offenders and bring them before the courts."

Ch Insp Barnes added: "So far this year, my officers have responded to nearly 7,000 emergency calls across Thurrock.

"I know there are times when the public feel we are not always there as quickly as they would like, and the reality is that demand on policing remains high.

"However, incidents like this demonstrate the commitment of our officers, who are working around the clock to protect our communities, to catch offenders and support victims."