A 14-YEAR-OLD boy is one of two people who have been charged in connection with a series of high-value thefts from shops across Cheshire.

Over the past month, police have received reports of 25 incidents involving the theft of cigarettes from retail stores in the county.

Incidents have been reported in Northwich, Winsford, Holmes Chapel, Warrington, Runcorn, Widnes and Alderley Edge.

Cheshire Police confirmed yesterday, Wednesday, that it had arrested two people in connection with the thefts, and they have since been charged.

Thirty-five-year-old Edward Warde, of Warrington Road in Runcorn, has been charged with assault by beating, driving while disqualified and theft from a shop.

The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is also from the Runcorn area and has been charged with theft from a shop.

The pair are both set to appear at Warrington Magistrates’ Court later today, Thursday.