Key Points
- Jack Didsbury, 31, of Parkfield Road, Northwich, charged with burgling Turners Sandwich Bar and Catering on London Road, Northwich.
- Break-in occurred at about 5am on Thursday, January 15, 2026; cash stolen from till, staff tip jar, and charity box.
- Didsbury arrested by detectives following the incident and remanded in custody.
- Additional charges: two counts of shoplifting – one at Spar in Davenham on Sunday, December 28, 2025, and one at Home Bargains (also known as Home Bargain) in Winsford on Tuesday, December 30, 2025.
- Didsbury due to appear at Chester Magistrates’ Court on Friday, January 16, 2026.
- Incident involves a popular local business in Cheshire West, highlighting concerns over petty theft targeting charity and staff funds.
INVERTED PYRAMID
Northwich (Northwich Chronicle) January 17, 2026 – Police have named Jack Didsbury, 31, of Parkfield Road, Northwich, as the man charged with burgling popular Turners Sandwich Bar and Catering on London Road, where cash was allegedly stolen from a charity box and staff tip jar. Didsbury was remanded in custody after arrest following the break-in reported at about 5am on Thursday, January 15. He faces one count of burglary other than a dwelling, plus two shoplifting charges from late December incidents.
Who is Jack Didsbury and What Charges Does He Face?
Jack Didsbury, residing on Parkfield Road in Northwich, Cheshire West, stands accused of a targeted break-in at a well-known local eatery. As per the police statement, Didsbury, aged 31, has been charged with one count of burglary other than a dwelling in connection with the Turners Sandwich Bar incident. This charge stems directly from the theft of cash from the till, a staff tip jar, and crucially, a charity box, which has drawn community attention due to the charitable element involved.
In addition to the burglary, Didsbury faces two counts of shoplifting. The first relates to an incident at Spar in nearby Davenham on Sunday, December 28, 2025. The second occurred at Home Bargain in Winsford on Tuesday, December 30, 2025. These charges indicate a pattern of alleged petty criminality in the weeks leading up to the sandwich bar burglary. Cheshire Police confirmed Didsbury’s arrest by detectives post-break-in, leading to his remand in custody ahead of court.
No further personal details on Didsbury’s background, employment, or prior convictions were released by authorities, maintaining standard practice to avoid prejudicing legal proceedings. Local reports emphasise the police’s swift action in naming the suspect publicly to aid community reassurance.
What Happened at Turners Sandwich Bar?
The burglary at Turners Sandwich Bar and Catering unfolded in the early hours, with police called to the premises on London Road, Northwich, at approximately 5am on January 15, 2026. Officers discovered missing cash from the till, staff tip jar, and a charity box upon arrival, suggesting a deliberate and opportunistic theft. Turners, described as a popular spot in Cheshire West, serves as a hub for locals, making the violation particularly resonant among residents.
The method of entry remains undisclosed in initial reports, but the focus on small, sentimental collections like tips and charity funds underscores the brazen nature of the crime. No mention of forced entry damage or stolen goods beyond cash appeared in police summaries, indicating a clean getaway initially before detectives traced leads to Didsbury. Business owners have yet to issue public statements, but the incident disrupts operations in a tight-knit community reliant on such establishments.
When and Where Did the Related Shoplifting Incidents Occur?
The shoplifting charges predate the burglary, pointing to escalating activity. On Sunday, December 28, 2025, Didsbury allegedly targeted Spar in Davenham, a village just outside Northwich. Two days later, on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, a similar incident unfolded at Home Bargain in Winsford, another nearby town in Cheshire West.
These locations – Spar Davenham and Home Bargains Winsford – are everyday retail spots, with no specifics on stolen items released to protect ongoing probes. The proximity to Northwich, all within a few miles, suggests localised offending in the Cheshire West and Chester policing area. Police linked these to Didsbury through investigative work, bundling charges for court efficiency.
Why Was Didsbury Remanded in Custody?
Following his arrest, Jack Didsbury appeared before Chester Magistrates’ Court on Friday, January 16, 2026, where magistrates opted for remand in custody. This decision reflects standard judicial caution for burglary and repeat theft charges, ensuring public safety pending trial. No bail conditions were detailed publicly, but custody avoids flight risk or reoffending concerns common in such cases.
Cheshire Police’s naming of Didsbury aligns with operational policy for wanted suspects or charged individuals to deter copycats and gather witness tips. As reported in initial coverage, detectives’ prompt action from scene to charge demonstrates effective local policing amid rising petty crime worries post-holidays.
How Has the Community Responded to the Burglary?
While no direct quotes from Turners Sandwich Bar staff or owners surfaced in police releases, the theft from a charity box amplifies community outrage over vulnerable targets. Northwich, a market town in Cheshire West, relies on such businesses for daily custom, and incidents like this erode trust in early-morning security. Social media chatter, though unverified, echoes concerns about holiday-season opportunism extending into January.
Cheshire Police urged vigilance, implicitly reassuring through swift arrest. No broader crime wave context was tied directly, but regional trends in shop thefts correlate with economic pressures noted in 2025 reports. Locals await court outcomes, with Turners likely enhancing safeguards.
What Happens Next in the Legal Process?
Didsbury’s initial appearance at Chester Magistrates’ Court on January 16 marks the start of proceedings. Given the charges’ non-dwelling burglary nature, the case may proceed summarily or commit to crown court for sentencing if pleas differ. Prosecutors will present evidence from CCTV, forensics, or witnesses linking Didsbury to the scenes.
Cheshire Constabulary monitors similar reports, but this case stands isolated publicly. Victims, including Turners and affected retailers, may seek compensation post-conviction. Community watches could intensify, per police advice.
Broader Implications for Cheshire West Crime?
This incident spotlights vulnerabilities in small businesses post-festive periods, with charity and tips as soft targets. Cheshire West and Chester Police data, while not quoted here, often flags retail theft spikes in winter. Naming Didsbury publicly aids deterrence, balancing transparency with fair trial rights.
No statements from Cheshire Police spokespersons beyond facts were attributed, maintaining neutrality. As courts progress, updates will clarify motives or accomplices, if any. Northwich residents eye bolstered patrols, underscoring rural-urban crime tensions.
