A GANG of thieves have been jailed after pleading guilty to burglaries in Greater Manchester, Cheshire, and Derbyshire.
Today (Tuesday 9 October 2018) seven men have been jailed at Minshull Street Crown Court following an investigation into a spate of almost 30 burglaries at business premises including fast food restaurants, bars, book makers, supermarkets and sports shops in Stockport, Tameside, Buxton and Poynton.
Ryan Ridgeway (06/05/1984) of Chesworth Close, Stockport, has been jailed for three years and three months after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit burglary.
Scott Ridgway (06/06/1979) of Bosden Close, Stockport, has been jailed for two years and eight months after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit burglary.
Ryan Davy (21/11/1978) of Fairfield Road, Buxton, Derbyshire, has been jailed for two years and eight months after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit burglary.
Robert Arthur (28/02/1986) of Stonemill Terrace, Stockport, has been jailed for 18 months after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit burglary.
Andrew Hill (05/07/1977) of Leburnham Way, Stockport has been jailed for two years and four months after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit burglary.
Robin Ocego (08/04/1976) of Bolton Road, Radcliffe, has been jailed for two years after pleading guilty to handling stolen goods and money laundering.
Jake McMahon (11/08/1992) of Carrington Road, Stockport, has been jailed for three years and four months after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit burglary.
The court heard that between January and September 2017 the group carried out burglaries, breaking into premises usually by prizing open fire doors with crow bars then using angle grinders and sledge-hammers to break into safes.
The group would tamper with alarm sensors during the day before returning at night to finish off their job or would deliberately set off the alarms at night and wait to see if anyone responded before breaking in.
The group also targeted businesses who stored designer products and clothing. They would then sell them on eBay. Investigating officers found the value of these items to be over £640,000.Detective Constable Leanne Banks from GMP’s Stockport borough said: “Under the cover of darkness this group wreaked havoc, stealing significant amounts of money and goods from business across Greater Manchester and beyond.
“They were brazen thieves who came armed with tools and heavy machinery to break into safes, stealing thousands of pounds of hard earned takings and goods.
“CCTV gathered by the investigation team shows just how determined and prepared they were.
“They may have spent 2017 reaping the rewards of their crimes but they will be spending 2018 and beyond sat in prison being reminded every day that crime does not pay.”
