A 20-year-old man has been charged with stealing street lamps and ornate lanterns valued at approximately £1 million across several counties in England. John O’Sullivan, from Barkway, Hertfordshire, faces 38 counts of theft covering areas including Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Durham, Essex, Hertfordshire, and the Thames Valley. Additionally, he is accused of seven further theft offenses in Hertfordshire, allegedly committed between September 17, 2025, and March 17, 2026.

The stolen items reportedly came from a variety of locations such as councils, businesses, churches, schools, and private owners. Among the recovered fixtures are Grade II-listed street lamps known as Richardson Candles, designed by architect Albert Edward Richardson in 1957 for the city of Cambridge. These lamps are considered historically significant due to their bespoke design for Cambridge’s street lighting.

John O’Sullivan is scheduled to appear at Stevenage magistrates’ court on August 5. Meanwhile, Anna O’Sullivan, 66, and Richard O’Sullivan, 67—both also residents of Barkway—have been charged with handling stolen goods in connection with the case. They are due to appear at the same court on August 12.

Authorities have not released further details on the investigation or the motivations behind the thefts, which spanned multiple jurisdictions over several months. The case remains ongoing as law enforcement continues to trace and recover the stolen items.