Violent armed gang caught on camera smashing through Dudley shops wielding machetes and hammers
Video footage shows an armed gang violently raiding a number of shops in Dudley to get access to cash, alcohol and cigarettes.
West Midlands Police has released video footage showing an armed gang of six men wielding machetes, hammers and crowbars smash through a number of shops in Dudley.
The balaclava-clad gang targeted off-licences, supermarkets and pubs in Wombourne, Dudley, Stourbridge, Gornal and Wordsley as they looked for cash, alcohol, and tobacco products.
During the string of incidents, which started on August 9, the gang threatened staff members with a variety of weapons before making off with the stolen goods.
In the dramatic video, the men can be seen donning balaclavas as they rush into the stores wielding the weapons, before making their way to the tills, tobacco and alcohol shelves and safes.
One of the men can be seen violently booting the door leading to the tills and running away from the scene.
In total, 11 violent armed robberies were committed, with one particular incident seeing the group threaten staff at a pub on Gospel End Road in Sedgley, demanding for the till to be emptied and the cash put into a bag for them.
Gavin Reilly, aged 45 and of Thornhill Road, Quarry Bank, was jailed for 19 years after admitting conspiracy to commit robbery, burglary and theft of vehicles.
Craig Booth, aged 48 and of Kirby Drive, Lower Gornal, was jailed for 10 years and six months after admitting conspiracy to rob and being found guilty of burglary and theft of vehicles.
Stephen Hall, aged 46 and of Withern Way, Lower Gornal, was jailed for 15 years and eight months after admitting burglary and robbery.
Jason Hall, aged 49 and of Knighton Road, Netherton, was jailed for nine years and eight months after admitting robbery.
Carlton Betts, aged 29, was jailed for three years after admitting conspiracy to steal vehicles and burglary. His prison term will be added to a 13-year jail sentence he is already serving for a fatal collision in Tipton in 2021.
Paul Bagnall, aged 38 and of Lichfield Street, Bilston, admitted to conspiracy to steal motor vehicles. He was sentenced to two years and three months.
Detective Constable Mark Plant from West Midlands Police's major crime prevention team said: "These serious and cowardly robberies mainly occurred when predominantly female staff were about to close the stores.
“I know this has had a long-standing impact on some of the victims.
“Now these men face a long time behind bars, hopefully the victims will feel that justice has been served."
