Four Lancashire men sentenced to more than 50 years for robbing C-stores

Four men accused of indulging in a string of convenience stores robberies have been sentenced to more than 50 years in jail.

According to local reports, Daniel Lewis, Daniel Holding, Anthony Heaton, and Matthew Lowe, committed eight robberies between November 2021 and April this year, at Co-op and Spar shops in Leyland, Preston, Chorley and Warrington.

Each time a combination of the four men entered the shops in balaclavas and masks, brandishing weapons and making threats towards staff. They made off with at least £10,000 each time, leaving shop workers shaken and distressed.

The four men appeared at Preston Crown Court this week and were jailed for between seven and 19 years.

Detective Inspector Denise Fardella, who led Operation Pintail, said, “These incidents have caused several businesses to lose money, with at least £10,000 stolen during each incident. However, the main impact has been on the innocent staff members in the shops at the time.

“In each case the men entered the store wearing balaclavas or masks, while brandishing weapons and threatening people who were simply trying to do an honest day’s work.

“In each case there were two or three members of staff working when the offences were committed and many say they were left distressed and extremely shaken and are still feeling the effects of that today. The impact cannot be overstated.

“We hope the hard work that has gone into this investigation, as well as the significant sentences handed down by the courts, will send a message that we will not stand for this type of criminality in Lancashire, and will not let criminals target hard-working members of our communities.”

The sentences come as police take part in Operation Calibre where they are asking for the public’s help to catch some of the most wanted robbery suspects.

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