A thief has been jailed following a string of offences across Congleton and Sandbach.

Dominic Graham, of Loachbrook Farm Way in Congleton, has been sentenced to three years and nine months behind bars.

The 35-year-old had previously pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary, two counts of fraud by false representation and possession of class B drugs (cannabis).

Following the sentencing at Chester Crown Court on Friday, June 19, 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."

Graham's crime spree began during the early hours of Tuesday, January 6, when he broke into the staff area of Waitrose on Flat Lane, Sandbach.

Once inside he stole a handbag belonging to a member of staff. Within the bag was a purse and they keys to a white Ford Kuga. He then stole the car and fled the scene.

The stolen purse was later recovered on the car park and sent for forensic analysis where officers found traces of Graham's blood. The stolen car was also located approximately one mile away, with forensic analysis showing traces of Graham's DNA on the steering wheel.

Dominic Graham (Credit: Cheshire Police)

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Then, on Saturday, January 28, a resident on Heathfield Road, Congleton was contacted by his bank in relation to suspicious activity on his card.

The man conducted a search of his address and realised that the patio doors were open, and his wallet had been stolen.

The incident was reported to police, and following enquiries officers were able to identify via CCTV footage that Graham had stolen the cards and made approximately £100 worth of fraudulent purchases.

Enquiries were undertaken to locate Graham, but he was actively evading officers. Despite his best efforts, he was traced to a hotel in Macclesfield and arrested Tuesday, March 24, by officers who were waiting in his room.

Following his arrest, officers found he was in possession of a quantity of cannabis.

During questioning, Graham answered no comment to all the questions put to him by officers. Despite his silence he was later charged in relation to the incidents.

DC Roberts added: "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.

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"Following his arrest, he realised that the game was up and had no option but to admit his guilt in court."