A PROLIFIC thief who targeted homes and businesses across Manley, Norley and Acton Bridge is now behind bars.

Matthew Tyrer, 36, of Kingsway, Winsford, was sentenced to eight months in prison after admitting stealing dozens of power tools from an isolated house in Scholar Green.

Appearing at Chester Crown Court on Friday, August 26, Tyrer admitted a spate of thefts from homes across Northwich, Weaverham, Acton Bridge, Manley and Norley, where he broke into homes and businesses and stole power tools and expensive gardening equipment.

The court heard how on Friday, July 15, Tyrer was arrested with two accomplices when police patrols stopped the silver Ford Focus he was travelling in.

While in custody, Tyrer admitted further offences including the theft of expensive gardening and power tools at private homes and business premises across Northwich, Weaverham, Acton Bridge, Manley and Norley.

Inspector Phil Hodgson said: “Tyrer is a prolific thief who has failed on numerous occasions to abide by the law and desist from committing high value thefts.

“He has now been punished for his criminal lifestyle. We work hard to do all we can to keep our communities safe from this type of individual and welcome the sentence imposed by the courts.”