A 36-year-old man has been charged with six counts of burglary after being caught during a police chase at a shopping centre car park in Warrington, Cheshire. Gavin Phythian was arrested on Tuesday 24 February 2026 at the Golden Square multistorey car park after officers used a helicopter to track a vehicle.
The charges against Phythian, who lives on London Road in Sandbach, relate to a series of break-ins across Warrington, Wilmslow, and Manchester. These incidents took place over several months between 13 November 2025 and 2 February 2026. According to the Greater Manchester Police, Phythian has a significant criminal history, including previous burglary convictions and escaping from HMP Thorn Cross.
A second man, aged 42 and from Warrington, was also arrested in connection with the investigation and remains in custody for questioning. According to Cheshire Constabulary, the arrest followed the recovery of a vehicle and items suspected to be stolen goods.
Chief Constable Mark Roberts has used the case to highlight the importance of live surveillance in the town as local budget discussions continue. This follows police efforts to secure more evidence through private CCTV and dashcam footage from residents to help with the ongoing case against the second suspect.
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