A gang of armed robbers who preyed on vulnerable shopkeepers in Tameside and Oldham have been jailed for almost 50 years.

Six robberies were carried out by the gang at convenience stores between 30 March and 17 April 2020, taking advantage of the businesses being quieter during the lockdown period. 

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.

Five men were sentenced last Friday (17 December) at Manchester Crown Court to a total of 50 years in prison. 

Izharoul Majeed, 24, of Belgrave Road, Oldham, was sentenced to nine years after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery.

Inzamamul Majeed, 23, of Belgrave Road, Oldham, was sentenced to 11 years, five months after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery.

Mahdi Abubkar, 24, of Ellison House, Ashton Under Lyne, was sentenced to nine years, five months after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery.

Emran Miah, 20, of Conniston Avenue, Ashton Under Lyne, was sentenced to 12 years after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery.

Marley Stevens, 29, of Smithy Grove, Ashton Under Lyne, was sentenced to nine years, five months after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery.

The investigation uncovered that the gang formed part of a predominately Oldham-based organised crime group who plotted the robberies, targeting lone workers at small convenience stores.

Detective Constable Jake Orr, of GMP's 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."