He prowled luxury spas and gyms while his victims worked out, then splurged in betting shops and supermarkets
manchestereveningnews.co.ukA callous thief stole luxury items from gym-goers' lockers as they worked out - then defrauded them out of thousands of pounds.
Nicholas Hughes targeted unsuspecting victims as they used luxury spa and gym facilities across the country - including sites in Cheshire and Lancashire.
A court heard how the 51-year-old struck at 11 sites between February 2023 and June 2024. Hughes was finally rumbled after police were told that a watch, bank cards and driving licence had been stolen from a victim's locker at Craxton Wood Hotel and Spa, in Chester, on June 13.
The cards were later used in a string of fraudulent transactions in Ellesmere Port. Cheshire Police identified Hughes as the suspect and found he was already wanted for similar offences across the UK. READ MORE: The doorbell footage, the worried text, and a tragedy they never saw coming Hughes would break into lockers before stealing high value items and sentimental jewellery - including watches, car keys, cash and bank cards.
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