THE manager of a Nantwich jewellers that was robbed has thanked CCTV operators for helping catch the criminals.

The four men received sentences totalling 30 years for the robbery of Moodys jewellers, on Pillory Street, Nantwich, in July this year.

Immediately after the robbery, staff at Moodys were called Cheshire East’s Scoot, (Stamp Crime Out of Town), radio link operators.

This enabled the operators to work with the police to ensure that the criminals were followed as they attempted to make their getaway.

David Alabaster, manager of Moodys, said: “I cannot emphasise enough my feeling that the protection given by – and accessibility to – the camera control team is of huge benefit to all users of the system and would wish that more retailers and businesses made use of this invaluable facility.”

Cllr Paul Bates, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for communities and health, said: “I am greatly relieved that our operators were able to support Moodys and help put these dangerous men behind bars.

“This was a success for partnership working in our borough, as this result could not have been achieved without the support of the police and, of course, residents, who provided video and photographic footage which led to the identification of the offenders.”