A total of 172 charges have been laid in a rash of nighttime break and enters in eastern Ontario.

27-year-old Allan Laidley of Belleville is facing 42 counts of break-and-enter theft and 33 of possession stolen property under $5,000.

The charges stem from break-ins at 41 area businesses from June 2010 to January 2011, including eight the night of Sept. 14 in Port Hope

Laidley was arrested on Jan. 14 following an investigation involving the OPP and seven community police services.

He is scheduled in Belleville Provincial Court May 4.