Ellesmere Port shoplifters foiled following Neighbourhood Team intervention

A couple who went on a £1.1k shoplifting spree have been brought to justice following a investigation from the Ellesmere Port Beat Team.

Nichola Ions and Peter Murray of Earls Garden in Ellesmere Port, appeared at Chester Magistrates’ Court on 13th November.

Ions, 36, pleaded guilty to two counts of theft from a shop and was sentenced to 32 weeks imprisonment.

Murray, 37, pleaded guilty to one count of theft from a shop and will be sentenced on 11th December.

The court heard that between 1st October and 12th November 2025, Ions and Murray targeted a number of retailers, including ALDI, Marks & Spencer, and Boots, within the town.

Their shoplifting spree equated in a total of £1,167 worth of products being stolen, with the pair making off with meat joints and beauty products without making any attempt to pay for them.

The pair were also wanted by colleagues from North Wales Police in relation to similar offences that occurred in Flintshire.

Following a number of enquiries into these incidents of shoplifting lead by the Ellesmere Port Neighbourhood Beat Team, local Response officers subsequently traced the pair and arrested them.

Police Constable Jenna Tapley, Beat Manager form Ellesmere Port Town Centre, said:

“This outcome reflects the ongoing commitment of the Ellesmere Port Neighbourhood Team to tackle retail crime and protect our local businesses.

“Cheshire Police recently supported Safer Business Action Week, an initiative intensifying our efforts in supporting the retailers of our county and further cracking down on prolific shoplifters like Nichola Ions, who had been handed a suspended sentence in September, and Peter Murray. Their guilty pleas are just two examples of the excellent work conducted by our officers over that period.

"In the run up to Christmas, when we know our retailers are going to be increasingly busy with an increased footfall of shoppers, we will remain proactive in targeting those who feel they are above the law and think they can get away with stealing items worth substantial amounts without facing any form of repercussion.

"I would urge anyone who has any concerns regarding shoplifting, or any other form of retail crime, in their town centres to speak to their local beat team and let them do the rest."