Cheshire West: Three men jailed after ram-raiding e-bike shop

Officers were made aware of an ongoing burglary in Hollands Road at around 12.30am on Friday, August 5, last year.

The caller reported the premises had been rammed and a number of high value bikes had been stolen.

After arriving at the scene, one officer spotted a white Volkswagen Crafter van travelling at speed near to Leicester Street roundabout and gave pursuit.

Following the chase, Saul Blackley, Jordan Buckle and Adam Hodson were arrested and charged with burlglary and a number of other offences.

The trio pleaded guilty to the charges and appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Tuesday (February 7) where they were sentenced to the following:

• Blackley, aged 33 of Goldrill Avenue, Bolton, was sentenced to 12 months in prison for burglary other than a dwellinh and posession of class B drug cannabis
• Twenty-four-year-old Buckle, of Dickinson Street West, Horwich, Bolton, was also sentenced to 12 months for burglary other than a dwelling and was banned from driving for three years, nine months, for failing to provide a specimen
• Hodson, aged 36, of Suffolk Street, Salford was sentenced to 12 months in prison for burglary other than a dwelling and failing to provide a specimen

Saul Blackley (Image: Cheshire Police)

The court heard the pursuit of the vehicle began as it travelled along Manchester Road and into Lostock Gralam.

The trio eventually abandoned the vehicle after they drove into Cedar Close, which is a dead-end road. The men all attempted to flee the scene on foot to evade police.

However, officers flooded the area and all three men were quickly arrested after being found hiding in nearby gardens. 

Officers also recovered all of the stolen items inside the abandoned van and discovered clothing and gloves worn by the suspects dumped nearby.

Jordan Buckle (Image: Cheshire Police)Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Claire Heatley, of Northwich Proactive Team, said: “The actions of these three men had a significant impact on the business.

"Not only did the men steal almost £10,000 worth of stock, but they also caused significant damage to the exterior of building, which resulted in loss of trade and cost almost £18,000 to repair.

"In addition, the business will also be forced to relocate as their landlord refused to renew the lease at the end of the current term because of the burglary.

"Thankfully, as a result of the quick-thinking officer, and the subsequent investigation, all three men have now been held accountable for their actions and all of the stolen items have been recovered and returned.

Adam Hodson (Image: Cheshire Police)

"I hope the conclusion of this case will provide some closure to the business owners, and also acts as reassurance to other local residents and businesses, demonstrating how we are committed to doing all we can to tackle burglary.

"I also hope that the sentence acts as a warning to any other criminals planning to come across the border and target Northwich – the message is clear we will be waiting for you and we will get you."