A MAN has been charged with a string of burglary and shoplifting offences.

Jon Lee, 32, of Powell Road, Laindon, is accused of carrying out nine thefts from shops across Wickford, Laindon and Billericay, as well as burgling a home in the borough on April 8 between 9am and 6pm.

He is further charged with going equipped to steal after he was stopped by police officers in Tavistock Road, Laindon.

He is charged with possessing a glass smasher, gloves and tools in the street.

The shoplifting offences all relate to thefts at BP garages between February 26 and April 17.

He is alleged to have targeted the BP services in Cranfield Park Road, Wickford, on April 17 and the BP garage, in Radford Way, Billericay, on seven occasions.

Another shoplifting charge relates to the Iceland store in Basildon on March 21.

He has been remanded in custody to appear in court at a date and time to be fixed.

Anyone with information about the alleged offences can call Essex Police on 101 or independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Alternatively anyone with information can visit crimestoppers-uk.org to complete an anonymous online form.