A serial armed robber who targeted several renowned jewellers in Greater Manchester has been handed a jail sentence this week.
Daniel Smith, from Old Trafford in Manchester, first began his string of armed robbery attempts back in January of this year when he targeted and entered Christopher Brown jewellers in Stockport – after having scoped the premises for security weaknesses a month earlier – by propping the electric security door open with a brick in a bag.
He then pressed a weapon against a member of staff and demanded that they hand over a “unique and highly-valued necklace”, according to Greater Manchester Police (GMP).
Unfortunately, the 38-year-old managed to escape the premises having stolen the jewellery.
Christopher Brown Jewellers / Credit: Christopher Brown
Then, just two months later in March 2023, he decided to strike again with intention of stealing similar items, and this time chose to target and enter the well-known city centre business, Abelsons Jewellers in St Ann’s Arcade, armed with a claw hammer.
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Smith tried to snatch an expensive bracelet from the owners – 78-year-old Malcolm and 71-year-old Elise Abelson – but, according to GMP, his plan was “foiled by their fearless reactions” when they fought back, leaving him to have to escape in a struggle and without any jewellery, but leaving behind several other items belonging to him that were recovered by police.
Detective Constable Phillip Sargeant from Central Manchester’s CID admitted that had it not been for the “quick-thinking and brave resistance” that Malcolm and Elise put up against Smith, they might never had recovered items leading to his arrest.
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“These were exhibits that directly and forensically linked Smith to the crime scenes,” DC Sargent said.
“With the support of Christopher Brown and Abelson Jewellers, police managed to quickly identify and arrest Smith for a string of robberies as a suspect who targeted established family-owned jewellers and exploited their security.”
Abelsons Jewellers inside St Ann’s Arcade in Manchester city centre / Credit: Abselsons (via Facebook)
After being arrested by police, and subsequently charged, Smith pleaded guilty to three charges at Manchester Magistrates Court on Tuesday 28 March.
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He then appeared at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court yesterday (15 June).
Smith was handed a sentence of four-and-a-half years for armed robbery, attempted armed robbery, and possession of an offensive weapon.
Featured Image – GMP
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Aldi is selling limited-edition ‘carrot’ gold engagement rings to celebrate Kevin’s Christmas proposal
Emily Sergeant
Can’t afford 24-carat gold? Don’t worry, Aldi is here to offer you a very clever solution instead.
In a world where celebrity proposals are making headlines on the regular, from Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, to Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez, showing off their with dazzling carat rocks like the prized possessions they are, Aldi has put its own spin on things – proving there’s room for more carrot and less carat.
The leading budget supermarket retailer has finally released the first part of its long-awaited Christmas advert for 2025, and that calls for celebration.
Although this year, there’s more to celebrate than ever before, as not only is it a decade of having the legend that isKevin the Carrot on our screens, but he has finally popped the question and proposed to his beloved Katie the Carrot.
To mark this milestone, Aldi has launched a range of exclusive, limited-edition ‘carrot’ gold engagement rings, designed to help Kevin fans stage their own proposal.
Aldi is selling limited-edition ‘carrot’ gold engagement rings to celebrate Kevin’s Christmas proposal / Credit: Aldi
Crafted in collaboration with British jeweller, Jessica Flinn Fine Jewellery, the bespoke rings feature a carrot-shaped orange cubic zirconia at its heart, complemented by two delicate marquise peridot accents.
Fancy getting your hands on one? The rings are now available through and exclusive shopper competition, and will be completely free for the lucky winners.
“This is the next step in Kevin and Katie’s journey,” explained Julie Ashfield, who is the Chief Commercial Officer at Aldi UK. “So we wanted to create something truly unique to commemorate the carrot couples’ love story – and what better way than with a truly unique ‘carrot’ ring.”
To be in with a chance of winning one of the limited-edition rings, all you need to do is share your festive proposal plans with Aldi and explain why a carrot-shaped ring is perfect for your partner.
Running up until 19 November, to enter, you just need to email [email protected] with your full name, your festive proposal plans, and the preferred ring size for your partner – Small (15.6mm), Medium (17.2mm), or Large (18.8mm).
You can watch the first part of Aldi’s Christmas for 2025 in full here:
Featured Image – Aldi
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Police appeal after Rochdale woman, 75, was burgled by man in clown outfit on Halloween
Emily Sergeant
An appeal for information has been made following reports of a burglary in Rochdale last week on Halloween.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) explained that at around 7:10pm on Halloween (Friday 31 October), a woman on Birch Road in Rochdale answered the door to a man – who is believed to have been dressed in a clown outfit – and he proceeded to ask for a drink before following the woman into her address and stealing several items, then running away.
He took a red purse with the woman’s mother’s wedding ring inside of it – which is said to be of ‘extremely’ sentimental value.
Police say the man may have discarded the ring once he left the victim’s address, but he did use one of her stolen cards at a shop later that evening.
Birch Road in Rochdale, where the shocking incident happened / Credit: Google Maps
Thankfully, the woman – aged 75 – was left unhurt, but she has been left shocked and upset by the incident.
“This was a shocking incident, which has left a woman feeling unsafe in her own home,” commented Detective Sergeant Ruth Thompson, from GMP’s Rochdale district.
“She has spent many years helping the homeless and working for local charities, so it is particularly grim that someone would exploit her goodwill.”
#APPEAL | Officers are appealing for information following reports of a burglary in Rochdale on Friday (31 October).
At around 7.10pm that evening on Birch Road, a 75-year-old woman answered the door to a man, who then entered her home.
Investigating officers have now released an image of a man they would like to speak to, alongside the wider public appeal for information, as it’s believed it could help with their enquiries.
DS Thompson added: “While I appreciate the image quality isn’t the greatest, I hope that someone may recognise the costume and it jogs their memory.”
Emily Sergeant -
16th June 2023 
