A man has been charged with stealing approximately £1 million worth of streetlamps and ornate lanterns across the UK, according to Hertfordshire Police.
Charges and Thefts
John O'Sullivan, aged 20, faces 38 counts of theft across several counties, including Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Durham, Thames Valley, Essex and Hertfordshire. He is also accused of seven additional theft offences in Hertfordshire between September 17 2025 and March 17 2026.
The force stated that the lamps were stolen from multiple victims, including councils, businesses, churches, schools and private owners. The stolen items include Grade II listed 1950s street lamps known as Richardson Candles, which were allegedly taken from Cambridge city centre.
Court Appearances
O'Sullivan is due to appear at Stevenage Magistrates' Court on August 5. Additionally, Anna O'Sullivan, 66, and Richard O'Sullivan, 67, from Barkway, have been charged with handling stolen goods. They are scheduled to appear at the same court on August 12.
