A MAN will appear in court later this month after allegedly stealing items from The Range sore on its opening day in Weymouth.

The Range opened its doors for the first time in Weymouth town centre at 9am on Friday, April 30 after taking over the former Debenhams building. The new store is spread over two floors and covers more than 45,000 sq ft of space.

Weymouth and Portland Police say they were called to the New Bond Street store on Friday afternoon to reports of suspected shoplifting.

A man, in his 40s, was detained by the store's security after acting 'suspiciously' inside The Range. He was arrested on suspicion of theft and going equipped to steal items.

Dorset Police has since confirmed that Geoffrey Brian Conquer, aged 49 and of Weymouth, has been charged with theft and is due to appear at Weymouth Magistrates Court on Wednesday, May 19.