Four men have been charged after a number of businesses have been targeted by robbers since the coronavirus lockdown was imposed.
These young men have been charged with conspiracy to commit robbery:
- Izmamamul Majeed, 22, of Belgrave Road in Oldham
- Mahdi Abubakar, 22 of Park Street in Ashton-under-Lyne
- Emran Miah, 19, of Coniston Grove in Ashton-under-Lyne
- Izharaoul Majeed, 22, of Belgrave Road in Oldham
All have been remanded in custody and will appear before Manchester Crown Court on Friday, May 29.
It's in connection with six reported robberies at convenience stores across Oldham, Tameside and Stockport since the lockdown restrictions were implemented on March 23.
The robberies took place at Denton Mini Market on March 30, Mini Market on Lees Street in Oldham on April 5, Oskars in Stockport on April 6, International Mini Market on Lees Road on April 7, Godley Off Licence in Hyde on April 10 and Victoria Stores in Dukinfield on April 17.
The stores targeted are a lifeline to many during the COVID-19 crisis.
Five of them are believed to have seen the men armed with a taser or other type of stun gun device.
Three of the men were arrested in morning raids by Greater Manchester Police's Serious and Organised Crime Group (SOCG) and Tameside district on Thursday morning (April 30).
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