Infamous gang put behind bars

Nathan Vanden, 19, of Rochdale Old Road, Bury, pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to commit robbery and conspiracy to commit burglary. He has been sentenced to 11 years in prison.

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A gang of thugs responsible for over 40 burglaries, robberies and thefts have finally been put behind bars.

The eight merciless yobs subjected Rochdale and a large part of Lancashire to a long line of offences, some including machete attacks.

Greater Manchester Police report that six cars were stolen during aggravated burglaries in Salford, Bury and Rochdale over a four-day period in August 2007.

Subsequently, Operation Cyclone was set up to catch the gang and bring them before the courts. The gang has now been caged for a total of 51 years and nine months.

Detective Chief Inspector Howard Millington led the investigation team, he said: “These men terrified the victims of these burglaries and in some cases did not hesitate to use violence to get what they wanted.

“Had it not been for the dedication and hard work of the officers working on Operation Cyclone they would clearly have gone on to hurt more people as their greed and criminality escalated.

“Greater Manchester Police has launched Operation Vanguard in a bid to reduce violent commercial robberies and we are committed to ensuring criminal gangs like these offenders are put behind bars where they belong.”

Nathan Vanden, 19, of Rochdale Old Road, Bury, pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to commit robbery and conspiracy to commit burglary. He has been sentenced to 11 years in prison.

Louis Madden, 20, of Chapel Rd Prestwich, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery and conspiracy to commit burglary. He has been sentenced to 9 years in prison. .

John Joseph Ryan, 23, of Trafford Road, Salford, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery and has been sentenced to 9 years in prison.

Anthony Joy, 24, of Parish View, Salford, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery and attempted robbery. He has been sentenced to 9 years in prison.

Louis Brownrigg, 20, of Chapel Road, Prestwich, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery and has been sentenced to four years and six months in a young offenders institution.

Michael Downes, 21, of Carrsdale Road, Woodhouse Park, pleaded guilty to attempted robbery and has been sentenced to five years in prison.

Shane Tymon, born 20, of Sussex Street, Lower Broughton, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit burglary and has been sentenced to two years and three months in prison.

Craig Ryan Cox, 19, of Hill Street, Salford, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit burglary and has been sentenced to two years in prison.