THREE suspected shoplifters have been charged with a string of offences in Dudley and Sandwell.

Wayne Brittain, aged 38, from Lye, has been charged with seven counts of theft from shops – in relation to a number of thefts at supermarkets and shops between July and September in Halesowen.

Ian Waterworth, aged 36, from Brierley Hill, has been charged with 12 counts of theft from shops in Kingswinford, Stourbridge and Brierley Hill during June, July and October.

Ryan Dimmock, aged 28, from Smethwick, has been charged with 11 counts of theft from shops in August, September and October. Stores on Bearwood Road, Smethwick, Leabrooke Road, Tipton and in Rowley Regis and Halesowen were targeted.

They were all remanded in custody to appear at Walsall Magistrates Court today (Monday October 28).

Hundreds of pounds of items were stolen during the incidents.

The arrests were part of a police crackdown on theft and shoplifting across the region.