Three charged after investigation into 15 burglaries

Three people have now been charged as part of an ongoing investigation into a series of burglaries impacting on businesses across Essex.

This investigation has been tirelessly led and built by Castle Point and Rochford Neighbourhood Policing Team.

Each of the 15 burglaries, carried out in March and April this year, involved forced entry to various business premises in Basildon, Chelmsford and Benfleet.

Items including safes, tills and goods were stolen, with thousands of pounds in damage also caused.

Our investigation resulted in an arrest on 12 May.

Robert Blackmore, 36, of Butneys, Basildon, was subsequently charged with burglary and remanded in custody until a further hearing at Basildon Crown Court.

Officers continued to build their case, executing warrants at two addresses in Basildon on Tuesday 10 June.

Two further arrests were made and evidence was seized, including more than £3,000 in cash.

Philippa O’Dell, 46, of Wickford Avenue, Basildon, has since been charged with conspiring to commit burglary, being concerned in an offer to supply cocaine and possession of criminal property.

Arron Cook, 29, of Plumleys, Pitsea, has since been charged with conspiring to commit burglary.

Both remain in custody until a hearing at Basildon Crown Court on Wednesday 9 July.

For advice on how to stay safe and protect your home, yourself, your business and your vehicles from crime, please visit our crime prevention pages.

You can also find out more general information about crime, the law and staying safe on our advice and information pages.

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