Hertfordshire man charged in connection to lamp thefts

Hertfordshire man charged in connection to lamp thefts

Dear Resident

A Hertfordshire man has been charged with the theft of 45 streetlamps and ornate lanterns to the estimated value of around £1million.

John O’Sullivan, aged 20, of High Street in Barkway near Royston has been charged with the following:

38 counts of theft across several counties including Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Durham, Thames Valley, Essex and Hertfordshire.

Seven additional theft offences which occurred in Hertfordshire between 17 September 2025 and 17 March 2026.

The lamps were stolen from multiple victims including councils, businesses, churches, schools and private owners.

The thefts included Grade II listed 1950s street lamps, known as Richardson Candles, taken from Cambridge City centre.

O’Sullivan is due to appear at Stevenage Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 5 August.

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. The are set to appear at Stevenage Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 12 August.

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Verity Soued
(Hertfordshire Constabulary, Community Engagement Advisor, Community Safety)