Serial thief Dominic Graham, 35, who thought he could outsmart police by 'playing hide and seek', has been jailed for three years and nine months. His crime spree began in the early hours of January 6 when he broke into the staff area of Waitrose on Flat Lane, Sandbach. He stole a handbag containing a purse and car keys, then fled in a white Ford Kuga belonging to a staff member.
Forensic evidence leads to identification
The stolen purse was later recovered in the car park and sent for forensic analysis, where officers found traces of Graham’s blood. The stolen car was found about a mile away, and forensic analysis showed Graham’s DNA on the steering wheel, a court was told.
Weeks later, on January 28, a resident on Heathfield Road, Congleton was contacted by his bank about suspicious activity on his card. The man searched his home and found his patio doors open and his wallet missing. CCTV footage identified Graham stealing the cards and making approximately £100 worth of fraudulent purchases.
Police hunt and arrest
Enquiries were undertaken to locate Graham, but he was on the run trying to evade officers. He was traced to a hotel in Macclesfield and arrested on March 24 by officers who were waiting in his room. Following his arrest, officers found he was in possession of a quantity of cannabis.
Graham, of Loachbrook Farm Way, Congleton, pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary, two counts of fraud by false representation, and possession of class B drugs (cannabis). He appeared at Chester Crown Court on June 19 and was sentenced to three years and nine months in prison.
Detective comments
Detective Constable Jamie Roberts, of Congleton Proactive CID, said: “I welcome the sentence handed to Graham and I hope that it provides reassurance to the victims in the case. During our investigation it was clear from the early stages that Graham was the culprit, but he thought that he could outsmart police and by playing hide and seek.
“Unfortunately for him, through our dedicated team of officers in our Serious and Organised Crime Unit, we were quickly able to trace him to a hotel in Macclesfield, where we waited to surprise him when he returned to his room. Following his arrest, he realised that the game was up and had no option but to admit his guilt in court.”
