John O’Sullivan, 20, of High Street in Barkway, near Royston, faces 38 theft charges covering alleged offences in Essex, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Durham and the Thames Valley area.
He also faces seven additional theft charges relating to incidents in Hertfordshire between September 17, 2025 and March 17 of this year.
He is due to appear at Stevenage Magistrates’ Court on August 5.
The lights and lanterns were stolen from councils, businesses, churches, schools and private owners.
Grade II-listed 1950s street lamps known as Richardson Candles were among the items reported stolen from Cambridge city centre.
During the investigation, police recovered approximately 300 lights at a property in Barkway in January 2025.
Two others have also been charged in connection with the case.
Anna O’Sullivan, 66, and Richard O’Sullivan, 67, both of High Street, Barkway, have been charged with handling stolen goods.
They are due to appear at Stevenage Magistrates’ Court on August 12.
Details about thefts in Essex have not been released.