A gang of balaclava-clad men wielding weapons stole thousands of pounds from convenience stores across the North West.
The four men have now been jailed for a total of more than 50 years for the chain of robberies around Warrington, Leyland, Preston and Chorley. The eight robberies took place between November 2021 and April this year at Co-op and Spar shops.
Police said during every incident a group of four men entered the shops wearing balaclavas and masks. They had weapons and made threats towards the terrified staff before escaping with at least £10,000 each time.
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Police launched a major investigation and the four men were arrested and charged. They all appeared at Preston Crown Court last week and were jailed for between seven and 19 years.
The group included Daniel Lewis, formerly of Battersby Street, Wigan. The 35-year-old pleaded guilty to seven robberies and was sentenced to 19 years. Daniel Holding, 33, formerly of Arley Close, Wigan, pleaded guilty to six robberies and was sentenced to 15 years.
Anthony Heaton, 33, formerly of Marshall Avenue, Warrington, pleaded guilty to five robberies and was sentenced to 13 years. Matthew Lowe, 34, formerly of Petticoat Lane, Wigan, pleaded guilty to two robberies and was sentenced to seven years.
Detective Inspector Denise Fardella, who led the operation, said: "These incidents have caused several businesses to lose money, with at least £10,000 stolen during each incident. However the main impact has been on the innocent staff members in the shops at the time. In each case the men entered the store wearing balaclavas or masks, while brandishing weapons and threatening people who were simply trying to do an honest day’s work.
"In each case there were two or three members of staff working when the offences were committed and many say they were left distressed and extremely shaken and are still feeling the effects of that today. The impact cannot be overstated. We hope the hard work that has gone into this investigation, as well as the significant sentences handed down by the courts, will send a message that we will not stand for this type of criminality in Lancashire, and will not let criminals target hard-working members of our communities."
The MEN reported the sentences come as part of Operation Calibre - where officers asked for the public's help catching some of their most wanted robbery suspects. Detective superintendent Nick Connaughton said: "Robbery has a devastating impact on victims, leaving them with trauma which can be lasting.
"We know criminals look for easy opportunities, often targeting some of the most vulnerable in society, such as children, with high levels of violence exhibited, making this offence especially traumatic. Whilst personal robberies are at their lowest levels since 2016, we cannot afford to take it for granted and must continue to target those habitual criminals who can be responsible for a large amount of offending.
"During this week of action we will be asking for your help to find and arrest some of our most wanted robbery suspects. We are working day and night to protect communities and our message to those who think it is ok to commit a robbery and inflict violence in our communities is clear: we will not tolerate this. You will end up facing significant consequences and we will catch you.
"We will target our activity in known hotspot areas, increasing our visibility and operational activity and arresting those intent on committing crime."
Andrew Snowden, police and crime commissioner for Lancashire, added: "Cracking down on burglary and robbery is a key priority in my Fighting Crime Plan and officers proactively targeting offenders and bringing them to justice is exactly what people want to see. These sentences show that we're determined to see those who take advantage of others and steal from people's homes and businesses, behind bars and off the streets, particularly prolific offenders who blight peoples’ lives and cause financial and emotional damage.
"I will continue to back the chief constable with the resources to get tough on offenders and bring them to justice, whilst making our communities safer."
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