crime arrest

Four men have each been jailed for four years following a burglary at a Co-op Group store in West Yorkshire.

The incident happened at the store on Market Street in the town of Hebden Bridge at around 11.25pm on 8 January.

According to West Yorkshire Police, Peter Clark, 32, Matthew Bowers, 32, Gareth Robinson 28, and Ryan Stewart, 35, forced their way into the premise, before searching it and making off with cigarettes.

The four men pleaded guilty to the offence at Bradford Crown Court.

Gareth Robinson also pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis and possession of a bladed article, while Matthew Bowers pleaded guilty to theft of a motor vehicle and driving whilst disqualified. He was also banned from driving for three years.

Calderdale CID detective inspector, Gary Stephenson, said: “These men travelled to Hebden Bridge with the sole purpose of causing criminality and causing disruption in our community.

“This investigation highlights how seriously we take reports of burglaries – we will find you and you will be arrested, charged and put through the courts. Thanks to our close working with Greater Manchester Police and NPAS, we were able to quickly trace those involved and arrest them on the same night.”

He added: “I hope this serves as a warning to others, as well as offering some reassurance to residents and business owners in Calderdale of how seriously we take these types of offences.”