The police managed to restore almost 300 historical lanterns after three antique lanterns were stolen from the street in one of the districts last year. It was revealed that the different lanterns could have been removed at various times between September 13 and October 1, 2024, from St. John's and Trampingdon streets. The police considered the case as "a crime against cultural heritage." Officer Thomas Ullard from North-Hertfordshire said: "We believe that most of the lanterns from Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Bedfordshire may have disappeared over the past six months." Historic England stated: "The lanterns in Cambridge were designed by architect Sir Albert Edward Richards, who was commissioned to create new street lighting in 1957," thanks to which the vertical tube lanterns received the name "Richards Lantern." Police from Hertfordshire discovered 296 lanterns and a luster in a house in Barkway near Royston on January 11. The investigation began after last year's theft of three historical lanterns, known as the Richards lantern, was reported in Cambridge. An 18-year-old man from Barkway is suspected of the crime, and he was released on bail while police continue their investigation.
