A brazen thief, Nicholas Hughes, stole cash, bank cards, and sentimental jewellery from lockers at luxury spas and gyms, specifically targeting high-end leisure facilities in Cheshire.

The 51-year-old committed thefts while victims were exercising or enjoying the spa. In one day, he stole from three different lockers in the same hotel changing room. Between February 2023 and June 2024, Hughes stole over £23,000 worth of valuables.

The stolen items included irreplaceable watches and jewellery, as well as bank cards which he used to defraud victims out of more than £18,000 in purchases at betting shops and supermarkets.

Hughes targeted various locations, including The Mere Golf Club in Knutsford, Craxton Wood Hotel and Spa in Chester, Shrigley Hall in Macclesfield, and Mottram Hall in Wilmslow, as well as hotels across Lancashire, Merseyside, West Sussex, Devon, and Kent.

Cheshire Police launched an investigation, known as Operation Artefact, in June 2024 after a significant theft at the Craxton Wood Hotel, where a victim reported a stolen watch, bank cards, and driving licence from his locker. The stolen cards were used for several fraudulent transactions in Ellesmere Port.

Police quickly identified Hughes as a suspect, discovering he was wanted for similar crimes in other UK areas. A manhunt ensued, leading to his arrest at Bath train station on July 10 this year, where he was found in possession of two of his victims’ driving licences.

On October 24, Hughes, of Guilsborough Road in Binley, Coventry, was sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison at Birmingham Crown Court after pleading guilty to 14 counts of theft and 12 counts of fraud.

"He deliberately chose to target luxury facilities"

DC Mike Rogers from Cheshire Police commented on Hughes' sentencing, stating: "Hughes is a prolific offender and is now rightly behind bars for his appalling behaviour. He deliberately chose to target luxury facilities, accessing changing rooms to steal from lockers while people were exercising or enjoying the spa."

Rogers noted the extensive effort of Ellesmere Port Proactive CID in the investigation, which led to Hughes' arrest in July, ultimately putting a stop to his crimes.

"I hope this serves as a reminder of our commitment to making Cheshire a hostile environment for criminals – you will be caught, and we will bring you to justice," he added.