Primark trainer print crucial to ending £1m burglary spree
Primark Trainer Print Key to Solving £1m Burglary Spree
A group of criminals responsible for 59 burglaries across the Midlands and northern England were arrested after a distinctive footprint left behind at one of the break-ins provided critical evidence. Four members of the gang received sentences totaling over 38 years in prison, while the fifth individual, 29-year-old Endrit Nikoll from Walsall, is set to face sentencing on 29 April.
Forensic Clue Uncovered
The investigation hinged on a unique piece of evidence: a shoe print from a Primark trainer. Forensic intelligence officers at Cheshire Police highlighted its significance, noting that each person’s footwear tread is distinct. “The rarity of this print at the crime scenes made it a pivotal clue,” one officer explained. They added that while the case felt “Scooby-Doo-ish” in its reliance on footwear marks, the connections were undeniable and “brought everything together.”
“This isn’t a random burglar wandering down a street—this was a calculated operation,” said Det Ch Insp Dave Worthington. “The level of planning by the gang is quite shrewd, yet they still left traces that led to their arrest.”
The gang meticulously planned their crimes by using Google to target affluent areas and Rightmove to study floor plans. They often infiltrated homes via the first floor, employing ladders to bypass downstairs alarm systems. Inside, they ransacked properties, removing bedding as temporary bags to transport stolen items. In one incident, CCTV captured them extracting an entire safe from a residence.
The victims faced severe emotional distress, with some left traumatised by the extent of the damage. “Finding your home in disarray, with personal belongings taken and sentimental items stolen, is deeply devastating,” Worthington remarked. The gang’s modus operandi involved setting weekly gold targets and coordinating their activities across multiple locations.
Breakthrough in Investigation
A key turning point came early when Staffordshire Police recovered DNA from a burglary. The sample matched 27-year-old Nikolli, who was initially arrested but held back to gather more evidence. By tracing his contacts and building intelligence, authorities eventually linked all five suspects to the crimes. All were originally from Albania and admitted guilt in court, pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit burglary and possessing criminal property.
Nikolli, Gropcaj, Lleshaj, Dedndreaj, and Lleshi were sentenced at Chester Crown Court. Their sentences ranged from nine years to 10 years and nine months. Jade Tubb, Nikolli’s partner, received a 12-month suspended sentence with 200 hours of community service. However, the case isn’t fully resolved, as less than half of the £1m in stolen valuables has been recovered, and many items remain unaccounted for.
Additional reporting by Lauren Hirst. Explore more stories from Cheshire on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer, and follow BBC North West on X. Share story ideas via WhatsApp at 0808 100 2230.