A GRAYS man faces a second court appearance after being arrested and charged over a succession of thefts from a local petrol service station.

James Prentice, 44, of Chestnut Avenue, was tracked down by police who said: "Between 17 October and 18 November, a man committed 12 thefts at BP Orsett South on the A13 westbound, stealing high-value bottles of wine and other alcohol worth more than £800.

"Thanks to a thorough investigation and excellent teamwork between the store and neighbourhood police officers, a 44-year-old man from Grays was arrested on Friday 21 November, charged, and remanded that same day.

"Neighbourhood officers have also applied for a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) to prevent him from entering this business in the future."

Prentice has made an initial court appearance and was granted bail. He is next scheduled to appear at Basildon Magistrates' Court on 23 January.