The Manchester Crown Court has sentenced five men to a total of 50 years in prison, following a spate of armed robberies at convenience stores around Greater Manchester.
Six armed robberies were carried out in total by the gang between 30 March and 17 April 2020, at convenience stores predominately in the Oldham and Tameside areas of Greater Manchester.
The gang used a variety of weapons including knives, crow bars and tasers to intimidate and assault shop workers before stealing money and goods from the shops.
Around £25,000 worth of property was stolen in the robberies including alcohol and tobacco.
The investigation uncovered that the offenders formed part of a predominately Oldham based organised crime group who plotted the robberies, targeting lone workers at small convenience stores during the lockdown period when the stores were quieter.
Detective Constable Jake Orr, of GMPs Tameside Challenger Team, said: "This was a shocking and premeditated spate of robberies which left the victims who were simply trying to go about their day, understandably shaken and fearful of returning to work.
"The offenders preyed on lone workers in a period where the shops and streets were significantly quieter during lockdown and I am satisfied that our communities are safer now these men are behind bars.
"This investigation was overseen by a dedicated team of detectives who worked around the clock to make sure these offenders were brought to justice and I am really happy with the sentences they have received today.
"I would like to thank the victims for their bravery in assisting us with this investigation and hope that they can take some comfort in the fact that these people are now in prison for the foreseeable future".
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