SEVEN men have been charged with conspiracy to steal vehicles.

Daniel Spears, 38, of Faymore Gardens, South Ockendon; Luke Elliott, 27, of Adelaide Road, Tilbury; Joe Higgs, 26, of Stephenson Avenue, Tilbury; Connor Larrett, 25, of Monarch Close, Tilbury; and Shay Foley, 24, of Orsett Heath Crescent in Grays were arrested earlier this year.

They have all subsequently been charged with conspiracy to steal motor vehicles and acquiring, using or possessing criminal property.

Their alleged offences took place between February 1, 2018 and June 30, 2019.

Jay Duff, 20, of Hogarth Road, Grays, is charged with conspiracy to steal motor vehicles and acquiring, using or having possession of criminal property between February 1, 2018 and June 30, 2019. He is also charged with possession of cannabis.

Lee-ray Taylor, 23, of Wood Avenue, Purfleet, is charged with conspiracy to steal motor vehicles and acquiring, using or having possession of criminal property, between February 1, 2018 and June 30, 2019.

He is also charged with burglary at 4Tronic Limited, Stanford-le-Hope, between March 7 and March 11, 2019.

All of the defendants are due to appear at Southend Magistrates' Court on Monday May 4 this year.