Police have charged a 20-year-old man in connection with the theft of 45 streetlamps and lanterns, which are estimated to be worth £1m. John O'Sullivan, of High Street in Barkway, near Royston, Hertfordshire, faces 38 theft charges.
The charges relate to offences across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Durham, Essex, and the Thames Valley area. Police also stated there were seven further theft offences linked to incidents in Hertfordshire between 17 September 2025 and 17 March this year.
As part of the investigation, approximately 300 lights were recovered at a property in Barkway in January 2025. Police said that lanterns had been stolen from various locations including council offices, businesses, churches, schools, and private owners. Grade II listed 1950s street lamps, known as Richardson Candles, were reportedly taken from Cambridge city centre.
Two other people, both in their 60s, have been charged with handling stolen goods. Mr O'Sullivan is scheduled to appear at Stevenage Magistrates' Court on 5 August.