A MAN has been charged after an investigation into a series of incidents in Harlow which saw dummies taken from children.

An investigation was launched following a series of reports of a man approaching people with babies and removing their dummies.

Four incidents were reported to Essex Police between 10 February and 7 August in the Staple Tye Shopping Centre, Woodcroft, Parsloe Road and Cooks Spinney areas.

Officers from Criminal Investigation Department were carrying out enquiries in Harlow on Monday, 14 August and made an arrest.

They have since charged Josh Guilder, 23, of no fixed address, with five counts of theft, three counts of common assault and a public order offence.

He is due to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 16 August.

DCI Alan Blakesley said: “We know these incidents rightly caused concern amongst the community in Harlow.

“We acted quickly and decisively in investigating these matters and I would like to thank the multitude of people who shared our appeals and came forward with information to assist us with our enquiries.”

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