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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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.”
Anyone with any information is urged to contact police via 101 or using the Live Chat service at gmp.police.uk, quoting log 3012 of 31/10/25.
Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – GMP
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Greater Manchester restaurants are adding an extra £1 to bills to help fight homelessness this Christmas
Emily Sergeant
Dozens of local restaurants will be adding an extra £1 onto every bill over the festive season to help fight street homelessness.
People in Greater Manchester are once again able to give back while they dine at some of the best restaurants the region has to offer in the run up to Christmas, as the successful StreetSmart fundraising initiative is back for another year.
This year, 26 fantastic restaurants have come together to support local homeless charities as the campaign launched this past Saturday (1 November).
Manchester independents such as Mana, Erst, Climat, 10 Tib Lane, Ezra & Gill, Tartuffe, and Blue Eyed Panda are among those taking part in the campaign this year, alongside several city centre chain restaurants such as Lina Stores, Tampopo, Banyan, Manahatta, and San Carlo.
StreetSmart works by each participating restaurant adding an extra £1 to every bill they deliver throughout November and December, with all of the money raised going directly to local homeless organisations, thanks to StreetSmart’s official sponsorship from LandAid.
The funds raised by StreetSmart in Greater Manchester this year will support the crucial work of organisations such as CentrePoint, which funds Independent Living Advisors for young people, and Real Change Manchester, which plugs into the existing homelessness charities to provide that extra boost of funding that makes all the difference.
The StreetSmart team says it’s determined to deliver another record-breaking year in 2025, and provide much-needed support to the services that help some of the most vulnerable people in the city.
Manchester restaurants are adding an extra £1 to bills to help fight homelessness this Christmas / Credit: Supplied | Rifqi Ali Ridho (via Unsplash)
“The festive period can be an incredibly tough time for the vulnerable people in our community,” explained Glenn Pougnet, who is the Director of StreetSmart.
“StreetSmart provides a simple way for people to help some of our city’s most in need. Giving back whilst dining out at Christmas is what StreetSmart is all about, and we’re thrilled to have so many restaurants already taking part.
Emily Sergeant -
16th June 2023 
