A man has been charged with five counts of robbery and three counts of possessing a knife following an investigation by police.

Police have been investigating a series of thefts from stores in Ipswich, Silver End, Braintree, Hatfield Peverel and Witham.

They said on each occasion the suspect was seen wearing a mask or balaclava when they entered the stores and demanded money. 

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They added that the individual was also armed with either a knife or a screwdriver and threatened the staff. 

On the most recent occasion, at a Morrisons Daily store in Witham, a three-figure sum of cash was stolen.

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Daniele Aldegheri, 49, of Bocking End in Braintree, has now been charged with five counts of robbery and three counts of possessing a knife in a public place.

He is due to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, September 5.

Detectives say they worked with CCTV and witness enquiries to build a case. 

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Detective Chief Inspector Rob Huddleston said: “To get to the point of charge has taken a concerted effort from a number of detectives, officers and staff within Braintree CID. 

“We take a very tough line on offending which targets our businesses.  Employers and staff have a right to go to work without the fear of facing the threat or fear of violence. 

“We’ve taken each report very seriously, working to build a solid case to take to the Crown Prosecution Service.”