Three teenagers have been sentenced for a terrifying knifepoint robbery in Bolton.
A 16-year-old male and two 17-year-olds were caught after booking a taxi following a swift investigation by detectives and officers from Greater Manchester.
Police were called to reports of a robbery at Harry’s Off Licence, Beverley Road, at around 8pm on January 5.
The shop owner was threatened by a male in a balaclava, who was was wielding a knife, and a quantity of cash was stolen from the till.
The three fled the scene but were not at large for long, as a rapid investigation established they had taken a taxi to the robbery and had booked a second cab later that evening.
That meant officers were waiting to arrest them.
All three, all from the Bolton area, pleaded guilty to robbery and were sentenced at Bolton Crown Court last week. One of the teenagers also pleaded guilty to possession of a bladed article.
They were dealt with by way of community and youth referral orders, and compensation.
Chief inspector Chris Boyd, said: “This was an awful and frightening incident and although the victim remained calm throughout, he must have been terrified, especially having a knife pushed towards him during this ordeal.
“I must commend the swift and joined-up investigation from officers in the Bolton district.
“Following a report of a robbery, CID were asked to make some enquiries while our uniformed colleagues attended to obtain a report, CCTV evidence and a statement from the victim. Information shared from uniformed colleagues’ enquiries allowed detectives to focus on local taxi firms.
“It was established that the suspects had been collected from an address near to the offence location earlier in the evening. Detectives were notified that the suspects had booked another taxi and this was relayed to uniformed colleagues, who were waiting for the suspects, who were identified and arrested.
“Officers also recovered the stolen property and the weapon used in the offence.”
