Police op results in 51 years’ jail

A VICIOUS gang of robbers who forced their way into a home in Milnrow and stabbed their victim in the arm and leg after he refused to hand over his car keys have been jailed for a total of 51 years and nine months.

The gang, which committed 40 robberies across Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Cheshire during a violent crime spree, were sentenced at Preston Crown Court after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery and burglary.

Their lengthy catalogue of crimes also saw four of the gang force their way into a Rochdale home armed with machetes, before threatening the victim and making off with two cars.

The thugs were brought to justice after Greater Manchester Police set up operation Cyclone in August 2007 after a series of burglaries where cars had been stolen and used in further burglaries and robberies.

Detective Chief Inspector Howard Millington led the investigation team, he said: “These men terrified the victims of these burglaries and in some cases did not hesitate to use violence to get what they wanted.

“Had it not been for the dedication and hard work of the officers working on Operation Cyclone they would clearly have gone on to hurt more people as their greed and criminality escalated.

“Greater Manchester Police has launched Operation Vanguard in a bid to reduce violent commercial robberies and we are committed to ensuring criminal gangs like these offenders are put behind bars where they belong.”