Rochdale tip jar thief jailed after viral video sparks public hunt

Monday, 16 June 2025 13:26

By David Murphy

A man who stole from the tip jar of a local Rochdale cafe has been charged and remanded in custody following a wave of public support that helped identify him.

The incident, which occurred at the Fireground Cafe based at the Old Fire Station in Rochdale, sparked widespread community outrage when video footage of the theft was shared on our facebook page several weeks ago. The clip showed an individual taking cash from the counter jar before leaving the premises.

Following a major public response, the Fireground Cafe confirmed today that the suspect had been identified, charged, and remanded back to prison.

In a social media post, the cafe thanked the public for their efforts, saying: “Without your help, he would likely still be out there committing more crimes, your shares, comments, and messages truly made a difference.”

The cafe described the outpouring of community support as overwhelming, adding: “We can’t begin to express how grateful we are for the kindness, generosity, and unity shown by everyone.”

Fireground Cafe, located within the Fireground Museum, is a popular spot for both locals and visitors, known for supporting community initiatives and public events.

The identity of the suspect has not been released, and Greater Manchester Police have not yet commented publicly on the case.

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough?

Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com

All contact will be treated in confidence.

More from Local News

Middleton vinegar plant to get £17M expansion as Japanese firm backs Rochdale growth

Mizkan’s £17 million investment will boost jobs, innovation and sustainability at its Middleton site
Bury shopping centre marks 15 years with £1,500 summer giveaway

Shoppers at The Rock could win a £1,500 spending spree as part of birthday celebrations
Lifesaving legacy of ‘devoted’ dad-of-three who died during Holcombe hill run

The sudden death of an ‘ultra-fit’ father-of-three while running on Holcombe hill has led to lifesaving cardiac equipment being installed at the Peel monument.
Hundreds fined as drivers swamp Bury streets without permits during Parklife and Catfish concert

It has been revealed that Bury Council issued 456 Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) over one busy weekend, as music fans attending the Parklife Festival and a Catfish and the Bottlemen concert parked illegally in residential areas.
'I was given 48 hours to live' as Rochdale mum survives meningitis after ear infection triggers brain swelling

A Rochdale mother has shared her harrowing story of surviving bacterial meningitis, after what began as a simple earache left her in a coma and fighting for her life.
Chaos at Parklife as Matinee stage shut down over safety fears

DJs axed and fans evacuated after 'overcrowding' prompts emergency response at Heaton Park
Warning issued over triple-strength MDMA pills found at Parklife

A charity has issued an alert after dangerous 'Dior' and 'Pop Smoke' ecstasy tablets were tested at the Heaton Park event.
RECAP: Parklife 2025 Day Two - updates, photos & travel news

Day One at Parklife 2025 is done, and what a day it was. Over 50,000 people packed into Heaton Park for a massive Saturday, with sets from FLO, Rudimental and a huge headline performance by 50 Cent.
Local MPs call on House of Commons leader to allocate more time to assisted dying bill

Rochdale MP Paul Waugh and Bury North MP James Frith have launched opposition to the parliamentary process surrounding the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, calling for urgent reform to how private members' bills are debated in Westminster.
Long-running playground saga hit with yet another delay

A plan to build a playground in Alkrington has been delayed once again.
The town that is finally getting Metrolink

Trams have been promised to Heywood for years and now it’s finally happening – but locals have curbed enthusiasm.
Paul Waugh MP says ‘Bravery of Rochdale grooming victims shames their cowardly abusers’

Rochdale’s MP, Paul Waugh, speaks out after convictions in latest grooming gang case, calls for tougher inquiries and full accountability.