FOUR men have been jailed for a total of 21 years after admitting a series of burglaries and robberies across the north and the midlands.

The gang targeted commercial and residential addresses in a three month campaign including a pub on Cronton Lane in Widnes.

The four defendants were sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court on Friday after admitting conspiracy to commit burglary, attempted robbery, and robbery.

Paul Ellis, 36, from Liverpool, was sentenced to eight years, Jamie Downes, 31, from Kirkby, was jailed for eight years and four months, Lee Gallagher, 31, from Kirkby, was locked up for three years and one month, Alan Daniels, 34, from Kirkby, was imprisoned for one year and seven months.

The gang targeted 15 residential and business addresses in Merseyside, Stoke, Gateshead, Knutsford, Warrington, Widnes, Yorkshire, St Helens and Derbyshire between June and August 2016.

They used vehicles they stole in car and key burglaries to try and cover their tracks carrying out 15 offences.

On July 1, 2016, the gang carried out a burglary at a pub on Cronton Lane shortly after 3.30am and attacked the ATM inside with an angle grinder.

DCI Simon Draco said: “Detectives and expert forensic colleagues painstakingly pieced together this crime series using evidence from mobile phones to CCTV evidence connecting the suspects to the scene of the crimes.

“When combined with the links to the cars stolen, which were used to facilitate further burglaries and robberies, all the evidence began to connect the same people to the 15 crimes.

“This was a complicated investigation which was beginning to fit together like an elaborate jigsaw.

“The successful result is a testament to the team of detectives and forensic staff working together to make sure those responsible were going to be stopped in their tracks and put before the courts. “ Investigating officer DC David Morgan said: “These men left their victims distraught and violated. Burglary has an immense effect on people with offenders targeting homes and businesses, a place where people should feel safe and secure.

“We will continue to target those who think they can come into Cheshire to commit crime. Anyone who sees suspicious activity should contact police on 101 to help us to prevent crime and support us in continuing to bring offenders to justice.”

Police and crime Commissioner David Keane said “The Constabulary has a duty to keep people safe and protect our communities. I am pleased to see that officers continue to work hard to find and bring to justice those who break the law.

“I would like to thank all of the officers and staff involved in ensuring these criminals face the consequences of their actions and for the dedication and commitment that they have shown. I would like to assure the people of Cheshire that this type of action will continue, as the constabulary works hard to make our communities safer.”