Gang of 9 car thieves smashed by police

A GANG involved in stealing high-value cars during burglaries across Greater Manchester has been smashed.

Nine men have been sentenced for their roles after a Greater Manchester Police probe called Operation Azuma into burglaries between July and September last year at homes that included Oldham, Rochdale, Tameside, Stockport and north Manchester areas, and with Lancashire.

Cars including Audis and Volkswagens were among the makes stolen.

During police searches, officers recovered up to £150,000 of stolen cars, a pistol and ammunition.

Det Sgt Damian Gething, from the Serious Organised Crime Group, said: "Each of these men played their part in a plot to steal high-value cars during burglaries and then sell them on to line their own pockets.

"Anyone who has been a victim of burglary or who has had their car stolen will know the misery and distress these sorts of criminals cause.

"Make no mistake these were a determined bunch of criminals who targeted homes across the breadth of Greater Manchester and even into Lancashire, and did not care who they targeted so long as they could get their hands on expensive cars."

The men admitted conspiracy to commit burglary.

Ricco Atkinson (20), of Blueberry Avenue, Moston, was jailed for 32 months.

Toni Evans (22), of Amos Avenue, Newton Heath, was jailed for 2 1/2 years.

Scott Adams (23) of Crosby Road, Newton Heath, was jailed for two years.

Benjamin Dodd (21), of Greenside Lane, Droylsden, was jailed for 3 1/2 years.

Samuel Hunter (23) of Rimmer Close, Beswick, was jailed for 3 1/2 years.

Danilo Jose (20), of Bexley Walk, Newton Heath, who also pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm, was jailed for 4 1/2 years.

Lucky Osazuwa (22), of Rosebank Road, Newton Heath, pleaded guilty to handling stolen goods, possession of a firearm and fraud and was sentenced to 14 months in prison.

Jeffrey Nelson (62) of Daisy Bank Road, Newton Heath, pleaded guilty to fraud, burglary and possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 32 months in prison.

Pedro Sanchez (21), of Wallwork Street, Openshaw, pleaded guilty to burglary and was jailed for eight months, suspended for a year, and ordered to complete 120 hours unpaid work.



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