Alexandra Antiques Burgled by Axe-Wielding Thief Matthew Nicolson

A prominent antique shop in Cleethorpes was the scene of a highly destructive raid when a local burglar, armed with an axe, shattered the shop's front window and display cabinets in the dead of night. The offender, Matthew Nicolson, 43, of Glebe Road, Cleethorpes, was subsequently arrested and brought before Grimsby Crown Court, where he pleaded guilty to the commercial burglary.

Terrifying Midnight Break-In

The raid occurred at approximately 2:30 a.m. on July 30, 2025, at Alexandra Antiques, a highly popular store located on Alexandra Road, Cleethorpes. Nicolson approached the business under the cover of darkness, wielding a full-sized axe. He used the weapon to smash through the heavy glass of the shop's front display window to gain entry. Once inside the premises, Nicolson immediately targeted a locked glass cabinet containing valuable vintage jewelry. Using the axe for a second time, he shattered the cabinet's glass and snatched a collection of rings, necklaces, and other pieces.

The intense noise of shattering glass woke the shop’s owner, who was asleep in the flat located directly above the retail unit. Fearing for their livelihood and safety, the owner quickly made their way downstairs to confront the intruder. However, the swift-moving thief had already fled the scene. A stock check later revealed that Nicolson had made off with approximately £5,000 worth of jewelry, leaving behind a scene of extensive structural damage.

Sentencing and Community Reaction

Following a prompt investigation by local police, Nicolson was identified, arrested, and charged. His appearance at Grimsby Crown Court in February 2026 concluded with a guilty plea to the burglary. The incident has sent shockwaves through the local business community on Alexandra Road, with fellow traders expressing concerns over the brazen nature of the crime and the use of weapons to target independent retail shops.