Two men have been jailed for a combined 38 years following a series of armed raids that stole nearly £160,000 from businesses across Greater Manchester and Staffordshire.
Between April and July 2023, the duo carried out four smash-and-grab attacks on commercial sites, three in Greater Manchester and one in Staffordshire. Armed and dangerous, they threatened staff and used explosive devices to break into cash machines, causing tens of thousands of pounds in damage.
After the heists, the criminals were seen passing Manchester Airport as they fled to destinations including Malaga, Egypt, and Mexico. Their crime spree ended on 19 September 2023 when police apprehended them. Officers found a rucksack containing high-visibility vests, gloves, a screwdriver, tape, and a smoke flare abandoned nearby.
Ben Thompson, 36, from Wythenshawe, was arrested at a supermarket forecourt in Hulme. Wesley Shepherd, 40, from Sale, was caught at his mother’s house in Northenden.
On 29 January 2024, Thompson was sentenced to 20 years in prison. Shepherd received 18 years and eight months. Both men pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery and causing explosions likely to endanger life and property.
Detective Sergeant Rich McCorry of the GMP Serious Organised Crime Group said, “These men had no regard for public safety to make a quick buck. Their reckless attacks cause huge harm.”
He added, “Thanks to a thorough investigation with colleagues across Greater Manchester and Staffordshire, we linked the crimes and put two dangerous men behind bars for a long time.”
Originally published by UKNIP.
