Wigan robbery gang jailed for more than half a century

The hefty sentences handed down at Preston Crown Court came as Lancashire Constabulary joined a national week-long operation aimed at bringing some of the region’s most wanted robbery suspects to justice.

The eight robberies took place between November 2021 and April this year, at Co-op and Spar shops in Leyland, Preston, Chorley and Warrington.

Each time some combination of a group of three men burst into the shops in balaclavas and masks, brandishing weapons and threatening staff. Another acted as the driver. They made off with at least £10,000 each time and in their wake left innocent shop workers shaken and distressed.

Police launched a major investigation called Operation Pintail and eventually arrested and charged the four men. They are:

Daniel Lewis, 35, of Battersby Street, Ince, who pleaded guilty to seven robberies and was jailed for 19 years;

Daniel Holding, 33, of Arley Close, New Springs, who confessed to involvement in six robberies and was sent down for 15 years;

Anthony Heaton, 33, of Marshall Avenue, Warrington, who admitted to five robberies and got 13 years behind bars; and

Matthew Lowe, 33, of Chatham Street, Ince, who pleaded guilty to two robberies, and was given a seven-year term. The hearing was told that he acted as a getaway driver.

After the hearing Det Insp 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 the force takes part in Operation Calibre in whcih officers are asking for public help catch some of the most wanted robbery suspects in the area. They will be issuing details of individuals next week.

Det Supt Nick Connaughton said: “Robbery has a devastating impact on victims, leaving them with trauma which can be lasting. We know criminals look for easy opportunities, often targeting some of the most vulnerable in society, such as children, with high levels of violence exhibited, making this offence especially traumatic.

“Whilst personal robberies are at their lowest levels since 2016, we cannot afford to take it for granted and must continue to target those habitual criminals who can be responsible for a large amount of offending.

“During this week of action we will be asking for your help to find and arrest some of our most wanted robbery suspects.

“We are working day and night to protect communities and our message to those who think it is ok to commit a robbery and inflict violence in our communities is clear: we will not tolerate this. You will end up facing significant consequences and we will catch you.

“We will target our activity in known hotspot areas, increasing our visibility and operational activity and arresting those intent on committing crime.”

Andrew Snowden, Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire said: "Cracking down on burglary and robbery is a key priority in my Fighting Crime Plan and officers Proactively targeting offenders and bringing them to justice is exactly what people want to see.

"These sentences show that we're determined to see those who take advantage of others and steal from people's homes and businesses, behind bars and off the streets, particularly prolific offenders who blight peoples’ lives and cause financial and emotional damage.

"I will continue to back the Chief Constable with the resources to get tough on offenders and bring them to justice, whilst making our communities safer.