A MAN from Basingstoke has been arrested on suspicion of six counts of theft after items have been stolen from several shops.

Hampshire Constabulary has received reports that items from various stores including Yankee Candle, Tesco Express and Sainsbury’s have been stolen between Saturday, 26 August and Tuesday, October 10.

Meanwhile, a report was made that a toilet at the Premier Inn on Victoria Street in Basingstoke town centre had been damaged by a fire on Saturday, 2 September.

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A spokesperson from Hampshire Constabulary said: "A 25-year-old man from Basingstoke has been arrested on suspicion of six counts of theft from a shop and arson."

He remains in custody while enquiries are ongoing.