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Three men have been sent to prison in connection with a series of Northampton shop robberies.
Between September and October last year, Rufus Johnson Cuthbertson, aged 28, Darren Guthrie, aged 37, and Adam Mark Crampton, aged 30, all previously of Northampton, were involved in a number of robberies between them across the town.
Coop stores were the group’s favourite target with shops in Latchet Lane, Bushland Road, Semilong Road, Main Road and Birchfield Road East raided and cigarettes, alcohol and scratch cards stolen.
Threats of violence were often used as a means to gain compliance, including occasions where staff members were threatened with the possible use of dirty needles.
All three men were arrested following an investigation by CID officers at Northamptonshire Police and charged with multiple offences.
Cuthbertson was charged with two counts of shoplifting and nine counts of burglary and theft. Guthrie was charged with one count of robbery and four counts of burglary and theft. Crampton was charged with two counts of burglary and theft.
After pleading guilty to the offences at Northampton Crown Court in October and December last year, all three men returned to the same court this month to be sentenced. Cuthbertson was handed 95 weeks in prison, Guthrie sentenced to 60 weeks, and Crampton 45 weeks.
Lead Investigator – Detective Sergeant Pete Ticehurst said: “I'm really pleased to see these three men sent to prison for their crimes.
“These were brazen acts, often during the hours of daylight, and left staff members rightly terrified and worried for their safety.
“Tackling serious violence is a matter of priority for Northamptonshire Police and we will continue doing everything we can to put people like Cuthbertson, Guthrie and Crampton behind bars.”
Pictured below: Cuthbertson and Guthrie.