Prolific offender jailed following Northwich crime spree

A prolific offender from Northwich has been jailed for 32 weeks after he admitted a string of burglaries and shoplifting offences across the town.

Jamie Clarke appeared at Chester Magistrates’ Court on Friday 19 May where he pleaded guilty to burglary other than a dwelling, attempted burglary other than a dwelling, attempted theft from a vehicle, criminal damage, theft of a pedal cycle, common assault, and assault of an emergency services worker.

The 35-year-old of no-fixed abode, Northwich, also admitted stealing more than £1,000 worth of items during eight shoplifting offences.

Clarke’s shoplifting occurred at retail stores in Northwich, Hartford, Davenham, Weaverham and Knutsford between Thursday 16 March and Tuesday 9 May.

His offending escalated on Monday 15 May when he attempted to break into a car and a retail premises at Riverside Trading Estate on Navigation Road.

Following his unsuccessful attempts to gain access, Clarke, walked to a nearby Tesco Express, on Chester Road and forced entry into the store by smashing a window and stealing around £330 worth of alcohol.

He was identified as the suspect in the case after traces of his blood were discovered at the scene.

Clarke was subsequently arrested on Wednesday 17 May following a manhunt by Northwich officers in the local area.

Following his sentencing, Detective Constable Claire Heatley, said:

“Clarke is a prolific offender who has caused misery to businesses across the Northwich area through his repeated shoplifting and burglary offences.

“It’s important to remember that offences of this nature are not victimless crimes, it’s the general public who end up footing the bill through increased prices.

“I welcome the sentence handed to Clarke and I hope that the swift conclusion of this case will provide reassurance to local businesses and residents.”