Man charged with stealing street lamps worth £1m across several counties including Hertfordshire
A man has been charged with the theft of 45 street lamps and ornate lanterns with an estimated value of around £1 million.
John O’Sullivan, aged 20, has been charged with the following:
>38 counts of theft across several counties including Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Durham, Thames Valley and Essex
>Seven additional theft offences which occurred in Hertfordshire between September 17, 2025 and March 17, 2026
The lamps were stolen from multiple victims including councils, businesses, churches, schools and private owners.
The thefts included Grade II listed 50s street lamps, known as Richardson Candles, taken from Cambridge city centre.
O’Sullivan, of High Street in Barkway near Royston, is due to appear at Stevenage Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, August 5.
In addition, Anna O’Sullivan, aged 66, and Richard O’Sullivan, aged 67, both also of High Street, Barkway, have been charged with handling stolen goods.
They are set to appear at Stevenage Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, August 12.