Man charged with 14 offences in Norwich and Costessey

Police have charged a man in connection with 14 offences, including 10 shop thefts, across Norwich and Costessey.

This follows a series of shop thefts that occurred between 20 January 2026 and 8 July 2026 at stores on Longwater Retail Park, William Frost Way, Earlham Green Lane, Unthank Road, Earlham Road and St Stephen’s Street.

Items reported stolen included two Hetty Hoovers, a Vax Spot Cleaner, blinds, Lego and food items.

A man in his 40s was arrested at Longwater Retail Park on Wednesday 8 July and taken to Wymondham Police Investigation Centre for questioning.

Ben Wells, 47, of Bracondale, Norwich, has been charged with 10 counts of theft from a shop, three counts of breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order, and one count of attempted theft from a shop.

He was remanded into custody and is due to appear at Norwich Magistrates’ Court this morning (Friday 10 July).