STEALING SPREE: Hemel Hempstead man charged following series of burglary offences

A man from Hemel Hempstead has been charged in connection with a series of crimes that saw thousands of pounds worth of tobacco and nicotine products stolen.

Ashley Claircin, 31, has been linked with several incidents at Dacorum convenience stores and petrol garages.

• On January 26, between 3.42am and 3.49am, Tucks and Tonics on Bellgate was broken in to and large quantities of cigarettes were stolen. Money was also taken from the till (41/7155/23).
• On February 8, at around 3.23am, Tucks and Tonics on Bellgate was broken in to and several tobacco items were stolen (41/10803/23).
• At around 4am on February 9, Martin The Newsagent on Bennetts Gate was targeted and broken in to. It was reported that thousands of pounds worth of cigarettes and tobacco products were stolen (41/11081/23).
• On February 20, at around 4.24am, Londis on Bennetts End Road was broken in to and cigarettes were stolen (41/14506/23).
• At around 4.27am on March 1, Martin The Newsagent on Shenley Road was broken in to. Tobacco and nicotine products were stolen and cash from the till was taken (41/17241/23).
• Between 3.54am and 3.59am on March 7, Martin The Newsagent on Shenley Road was broken in to and tobacco and nicotine products were stolen (41/19055/23).
• On March 24 at around 4.04am, Texaco on Primrose Hill in Kings Langley was broken in to and cigarettes were stolen (41/23983/23).

Claircin has been charged with conspiracy to commit burglary with intent to steal. He is due to appear at St Albans Crown Court on Monday, April 24.

Chief Inspector for Dacorum Jason Keane said: “I hope this result provides re-assurance to our local community, and in particular, to our local businesses. Our investigation still continues at this time, and anyone with information is asked to contact 101 quoting the relevant crime reference number above.

“If you witness someone behaving suspiciously, please call 999 immediately – a crime could be in progress, and by calling us we have the best possible chance of catching the offender.”

You can report information online at herts.police.uk/report, speak to an operator in the Force Communications Room via the online web chat at herts.police.uk/contact or call the non-emergency number 101.

Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.