Armed gang link to other violent raids

Aug 28 2008 by Paul James, The Journal

No hiding place, robbers are warned

POLICE chiefs last night warned violent robbers that they would be hunted down after making a number of recent arrests.

When the Coral Bookmakers in Beacon Lough Road, Gateshead, was hit last Wednesday, it was the seventh betting shop in eight days to be targeted by armed raiders.

On Monday, Daniel William McDowell, 25, of Beacon Court, Gateshead, and Sean Hall, 23, of Fell Court, Gateshead, appeared at Gateshead Magistrates’ Court charged with robbery and firearms offences in connection with the incident, and were remanded in custody. Another Coral shop was targeted that day, in Fowler Street, South Shields, and Steven Rice, 23, of Wetheral Gardens, Gateshead, appeared before South Tyneside magistrates on Saturday charged with burglary.

A third Coral shop was targeted on Saturday, August 16, on Grange Road, Jarrow. A 26-year-old woman and a 32-year-old man have been arrested and bailed.

Assistant Chief Constable Greg Vant said: “What this demonstrates is that we have taken firm, effective action against particular groups of people who have targeted some commercial premises over a short period of time. This doesn’t mean robberies are on the increase, or that there’s been a sudden outbreak of lawlessness in our region. In fact, the reverse is the case.

“Our figures show that between April and August this year the number of armed robberies has stayed the same, compared to the same period last year.

“The enforcement activity over the past seven days should send out a clear warning to anyone intent on committing this type of crime in the Northumbria Police area.

“We will find you, we will arrest you and we will put you before the courts.”