Two men convicted in relation to theft from cars in Northwich

Two men have been been convicted following a series of thefts from motor vehicles in the Winnington area of Northwich.

Daryl Cobain and Jamie Clarke both appeared at Chester Magistrates Court where they admitted their involvement in the incidents.

The pair also pleaded guilty to a number of thefts from shops in Northwich, while Clarke was also charged with breaching his criminal behaviour order, which prevented him from entering certain shops in the town, thanks to an investigation by Northwich Neighbourhood policing officers.  

Clarke, of Farm Road in Weaverham, appeared at Chester Magistrates Court on Tuesday 18th August where he was sentenced to 34 weeks in prison. The 39-year-old pleaded guilty to five counts of theft from a shop, four counts of breaching a criminal behaviour order and two counts of fraud by false representation.

Cobain, 50, of no fixed abode in Northwich, attended Chester Magistrates on Wednesday 19th August, where he pleaded guilty to one count of theft from a motor vehicle, three counts of vehicle interference, two counts of fraud by false representation and possession of cannabis. 

He has been remanded in custody and is set to be sentenced at Chester Magistrates Court on Wednesday 9th September.

Between Wednesday 12th and Friday 14th August officers received numerous reports of a group of men who were attempting to access insecure vehicles on Alderley Road, Penrhyn Road, Woodlea Court, Foxendale Close and Blossom Heights.

A number of items were stolen, including a large quantity of cash and several bank cards. 

An investigation into the incidents was launched by officers from Northwich Proactive Policing Unit.

Following enquiries, officers recovered CCTV footage which linked Cobain to four incidents on Penryn Road, Foxendale Close and Blossom Heights.   

In addition, they also recovered footage which showed Cobain and Clarke using the stolen cards to make a number of fraudulent transactions. 

After identifying the pair as being involved in the incidents, both men were quickly located and arrested. Clarke was detained by an off duty Special Constable in Weaverham.

Following the convictions, Police Constable Ed Whalley, of Northwich Proactive CID said:

“Both Clarke and Cobain were relentless in their offending, targeting innocent people’s belongings for their own selfish gain. I have no doubt that had they not been arrested they would have continued to offend. 

“However, within days of these incidents being reported we were quickly able to identify the pair as the offenders, and they are now being held accountable for their actions.

“This is a great example of the teamwork between Northwich Proactive CID and the local Neighbourhood officers, who all played key roles in helping to secure these convictions.  

“I hope that the swift conclusion of this case will provide reassurance for local residents.” 

A third defendant has also been charged in relation to incidents. Jonathan Cobain has been charged one count of theft from a motor vehicle, three counts of vehicle interference, two counts of fraud by false representation and possession of cannabis.

The 50-year-old appeared at Chester Magistrates Court on Tuesday 19th August where he pleaded not guilty to the charges and is listed for trial at Crewe Magistrates Court on Wednesday 30th September.