Co-op robbers put behind bars
They terrorised frightened staff at Co-op stores across the Midlands in a string of raids – but now three robbers who stole almost £35,000 in cash are behind bars.
The gang carried out 15 late-night robberies at branches in the Black Country, Staffordshire and Shropshire during their 10-month crime spree. But yesterday Jani Wright, aged 25, was jailed for five years, while Amandeep Singh, also 25, and Ryan Shaw, 20, were each jailed for four and a half years at Stafford Crown Court.
Among the stores raided between January and October 2012 were branches in Stourport Road, Kidderminster; High Street in Cheslyn Hay; Brewood Road in Coven; and Lodge Lane in Bridgnorth.
Dramatic CCTV footage of the first raid at Kidderminster, during which £2,200 was stolen, was shown to the court .
One of them is seen frog-marching a scared female worker along the aisle towards the back of the store, holding her by the neck.
The woman is then shoved in the direction of the till where one of the robbers jumps over the counter.
Mr Paul Spratt, prosecuting, said the workers tried to get the men to take Lottery scratchcards, but instead they demanded that the safe be opened so they could get at the shop takings.
Credit cards were also taken from a handbag belonging to the shaken female shop assistant during the raid.
All three of the defendants admitted offences of conspiracy to rob at previous hearings.
Mr Spratt added: "These robberies took part over a significant period of time.
"They involved at times two to four people. The defendants' roles in it involved a degree of planning, phone calls and text ensuring that each was able to meet.
"There were disguises worn by each of the defendants either by use of a scarf covering their faces or, dark clothing or a balaclava."
Sentencing the gang, Judge Nicholas Dean QC said: "You targeted premises which were vulnerable small shops, targeting them at particular times.
"You went at night close to closing time when there would be the highest amount of cash, as it was cash that you were seeking."
"Threats of violence, manhandling, of vulnerable staff who were working in the stores deserve every protection the court can provide," Judge Dean added.
Senior investigating officer DCI Paul Clews, of Staffordshire Police, said officers across forces had been involved in bringing the men to court.
