Teens robbed a shopkeeper with a knife but were caught by police before they made it home in Bolton.
The knife-wielding teen held the weapon up, even lunging toward the victim. They stole cash from the till, but police quickly caught them. Greater Manchester Police released the video of the incident, and the three teens were sentenced. The police had received a call about the robbery around 8 PM on January 5.
The robbers left, and police learned they took a taxi and had a second taxi booked. Officers waited and arrested the trio getting into the taxi. Later, they charged the boys, who remained in custody. All three Bolton boys pleaded guilty to robbery, but legal reasons prevent revealing their names.
A court sentenced the trio last week. One teen also admitted to knife possession. The court ordered community service, youth referral, and compensation. A police chief called it an awful incident, highlighting how the shopkeeper stayed calm despite the threat.
The chief commended the quick investigation. Police got a report about the robbery, and detectives looked at local taxi firms. They learned the suspects booked a taxi near the shop. Police waited for the booked taxi, arrested the suspects, and found the stolen items and weapon.
People can anonymously surrender knives using GMP’s Forever Amnesty bins. Find them at several police stations, including Ashton, Bolton, and Wigan, among many others.