Serial thief jailed following Northwich crime spree

A serial thief from Birkenhead who went on a one-night crime spree in Northwich has been jailed.

Samuel Brooks appeared at Chester Crown Court, on Monday 2nd March, where he was sentenced to three years and six months imprisonment.

The 23-year-old of Claughton Road in Birkenhead, had earlier pleaded guilty to 10 counts of theft from a motor vehicle, three counts of attempted theft from a motor vehicle and one count of burglary other than a dwelling. Brooks also admitted two counts of theft of a motor vehicle.

The court heard how Brooks’ crime spree began on Thursday 16th October 2025, when he travelled to Plumpton Gardens in Widnes where he stole a grey Ford Focus.

Then, just two days later, on 18th October 2025, he travelled to Frodsham from where he stole a Kia Picanto from a communal car park outside apartments at Ashley Court.

After stealing the two cars, Brooks then travelled to Northwich during the early hours of Tuesday 11 November 2025, where he went on a crime spree across Winnington urban village.

In total Brooks broke into ten cars and attempted to break into a further three vehicles. He also forced entry into a garden shed.

During his rampage various items were stolen, including golf clubs, designer sunglasses, power tools, and cash. In total the estimated value of the items stolen was almost £8,800.

Brooks’ downfall began after officers identified a Ford Focus which had travelled to Winnington on the night of the crime spree using cloned plates.

The vehicle was later recovered on Monday 24th November 2025, officers found the Ford Focus on McKenzie Road in Wirral, which was bearing the false number plates which had been used for the Northwich incidents.

Subsequent enquires revealed that the car was the same vehicle which had been stolen from Widnes.

The car was empty at the time it was recovered, but DNA swabs which were taken from the car came back as a match for Brooks.

The stolen Kia was also located abandoned, this time in the Harlescott area of Shrewsbury. Fingerprint marks on the back of the number plate also came back to Brooks.

Brooks was later arrested in relation to the allegations, and his mobile phone was seized. Data from the device placed him in the area at the time of all the offences.

During questioning Brooks answered no comment to all the questions put to him by officers, but despite his silence he was charged and later pleaded guilty to all the offences.

Following the sentencing, PC Dean Butterworth who led the investigation, said:

“Brooks truly believed that he was above the law and thought that he had committed the prefect crime spree.

“However, he clearly underestimated the dedication and determination of the team here at Northwich.

“Through our detailed investigation we were able to gather a catalogue of evidence against Brooks, leaving him with no option but to admit his guilt and he is now facing the consequences of his actions.

“I hope that the conclusion of this case will provide some reassurance to the victims and also act as a warning to others who are planning to come to Cheshire to commit crime.”

Pictured - Samuel Brooks of Claughton Road in Birkenhead.