AN optician store in Whetstone was raided on Friday, with about £8,000 worth of designer stock stolen.

David Devan, in High Road, was broken into at about 2am by burglars, who smashed through the rear doors.

They were then seen by neighbours carrying out display stands containing a large number of glasses, loading them into a car and driving off.

Police said the haul included Ray-Bans, Cartier, and Prada sunglasses, plus frames and boxes.

Two people have been arrested and charged in connection with burglary.

It is the latest attack on an optician in the borough, following three incidents in the past month.

Police believe criminals regard the thefts as a “lucrative” operation, as much of the stock can be distributed on the black market.

On June 24, a Vision Express in High Street, Barnet, was raided by thieves, who smashed through a window and stole a large quantity of designer glasses.

The same store was then targeted by vandals on July 11, who tried to kick in the door, although nothing was stolen.

And just over a week later, on July 19, Specsavers in High Road, North Finchley, was broken into.

Police said the suspects forced the lock and raided through the cupboards. On this occasion it is believed only contact lens cleaning fluid was stolen.

Detectives are appealing for anyone with information, or who believes they may have been approached to buy stolen goods, to telephone Barnet police on 0300 123 1212 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.