A MAN has been charged in connection with more than 40 shoplifting offences in the Charminster area. 

Artur Chochel, 33, from Bournemouth has been charged with 45 counts of theft from a shop. 

The incidents reportedly occurred between Monday, December 11, 2023 and Sunday, February 25, 2024 at Co-op in Charminster Road and One Stop in Ripon Road.

Artur appeared in Poole Magistrates' Court on May 6 and will next appear at the same court on May 14. 

Chief Inspector Alyssa Forrest, of Dorset Police, said: “This investigation was carried out as part of Op Shopkeeper, which is the Retail Team in the Incident Resolution Team’s ongoing efforts to identify suspected prolific shoplifters across the county to help our business communities.”