Yahoo News They broke into a charity shop and smashed down a wall to raid a Tesco - they were caught on camera
A despicable burglary has been caught on film. Footage captures three men getting into the rear of a Barnardo's charity shop.
After breaking in at night the gang, which included Stefan Moores, from Stockport, and two accomplices, smashed their way through a concrete wall to get into the Tesco store next door and steal £10,000 worth of cigarettes and stamps.
Footage shows the men arrive at Weston Grove shopping parade, Chester, just after 11pm. They walk to the back of the shops and get into the charity shop. Chester Crown Court was told how on the evening of Sunday November 19th, 2023, Moores and two others had travelled from Manchester to Chester in a stolen Hyundai i30 using false number plates.
They forced open the safe of Barnardo's, stealing £450 in cash, and then bashed their way through breeze blocks into the supermarket. The gang did not flee the scene until about 3.45am the next day having caused £5,250 worth of damage.
Footage shown to the court features three men carrying sledge hammers, and crowbars, and wearing balaclavas as they leave the scene. As they make their getaway, one can be seen carrying a huge bag, presumably holding the swag from Tescos.
During their enquiries detectives discovered traces of Moores' DNA on the Tesco cigarette display. Moores appeared at Chester Crown Court last week where he was sentenced to three-years in prison. The 34-year-old of Breacon Towers in Brinnington, Stockport, had previously pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary other than a dwelling
During their enquiries detectives also found traces of Moores' DNA were on a screwdriver in the stolen car which was recovered by Greater Manchester Police in the Wythenshawe area on Thursday December 7th 2023.
Moores was subsequently arrested at his home in Brinnington on Thursday 29 February 2024. During a search of the property officers discovered footwear which which matched CCTV footage from the scene. Following his arrest Moores was charged in relation to the incidents and subsequently pleaded guilty on his appearance at court.
Detective Constable James Wright, of Chester Poractive Policing Team, said: “It is clear that this was a carefully planned attack. Moores and his accomplices travelled to Cheshire that night determined to steal as much as possible.
“Their main aim was to use the charity store as an easy route to gain access to the adjoining Tesco Express from where they could steal the cigarettes and stamps. To them, the cash from the charity shop safe was simply a bonus, however £500 is a huge amount of money to the charity which could have been used to help vulnerable children.
“The trio used a variety of tactics to try and evade police, including using false registration plates and balaclavas. But thanks to the hard work of our officers, we were able to gather compelling evidence against Moores leaving him with no option but to admit his guilt.
“While Moores is now behind bars, this investigation remains ongoing and we are committed to doing all we can to identify the two outstanding offenders to ensure they are also brought to justice. I hope that this case acts as a warning to those intent on travelling into Cheshire to commit crime – we will find you and you will be held responsible.”
Enquiries to identify and locate the outstanding two suspects remain ongoing and anyone with any information is asked to call Cheshire Police on 101 or visit www.cheshire.police.uk/tell-us quoting IML 1695173.
