A gang which carried out a string of burglaries and robberies, including three in Warrington, has been jailed for combined total of 21 years.
The gang targeted commercial and residential addresses in a three month campaign.
The four men appeared at Liverpool Crown Court to be sentenced after admitting to conspiracy to commit burglary, attempted robbery, and robbery.
• Paul Ellis, 36, from Sennan Road, Kirkby, Liverpool was sentenced to eight years
• Jamie Downes, 31, from Linsdale Crescent, Kirkby was sentenced to eight years and four months
• Lee Gallagher,31, from Sandlewood Grove, Kirkby was sentenced to three years and one month
• Alan Daniels, 34, from Brookhey Drive in Kirkby was sentenced to one year and seven months
Between 6 June 2016 and 2 August 2016 the team targeted 15 residential and business addresses in Merseyside, Stoke, Gateshead, Knutsford, Warrington, Widnes, Yorkshire, St Helens and Derbyshire.
The team used vehicles they stole in car and key burglaries to try and cover their tracks carrying out 15 offences.
DCI Simon Draco said: “Detectives and expert forensic colleagues painstakingly pieced together this crime series using evidence from mobile phones to CCTV evidence connecting the suspects to the scene of the crimes. When combined with the links to the cars stolen, which were used to facilitate further burglaries and robberies, all the evidence began to connect the same people to the 15 crimes. This was a complicated investigation which was beginning to fit together like an elaborate jigsaw.
“The successful result is a testament to the team of detectives and forensic staff working together to make sure those responsible were going to be stopped in their tracks and put before the courts. “
Investigating officer DC David Morgan said: “These men left their victims distraught and violated. Burglary has an immense effect on people with offenders targeting homes and businesses, a place where people should feel safe and secure.
“We will continue to target those who think they can come into Cheshire to commit crime. Anyone who sees suspicious activity should contact police on 101 to help us to prevent crime and support us in continuing to bring offenders to justice.”
Police & Crime Commissioner David Keane said “The Constabulary has a duty to keep people safe and protect our communities. I am pleased to see that officers continue to work hard to find and bring to justice those who break the law.
“I would like to thank all of the officers and staff involved in ensuring these criminals face the consequences of their actions and for the dedication and commitment that they have shown. I would like to assure the people of Cheshire that this type of action will continue, as the Constabulary works hard to make our communities safer.”
The offences commited in Warrington were:
Between 11:00hrs and 14:05hrs on the 14th June 2016 Cuerdley Road, Penketh, Warrington a Car and Key Burglary dwelling occurred whereby a VW Golf was stolen.
At 18:55hrs on the same day, 14th June 2016 Woodbank Road Penketh, Warrington an attempt Burglary dwelling occurred.
At 02:49hrs on the 29th June 2016 at a newsagents on Glover Road, Warrington a burglary occurred, whereby forced entry was made to the premises, the ATM was forced open and cash was stolen.
