Thug is jailed after trying to rob a leafy town's Greggs with a hammer

A hammer-wielding crook who tried to rob a Greggs bakery and steal their takings from selling pastries and cakes has been jailed for seven years. Vincent Foley, 43, entered the office area of the UK bakery chain, in Handforth, Cheshire, on 4th July this year and tried to assault a member of staff with a hammer.

Chester Crown Court heard the staff member ran to his colleagues in the front and they ran out of the shop to safety. Foley then tried to open the safe but failed and left empty-handed. Cheshire Police explained: "The same day he broke into a house in Meriton Road in Handforth and stole a number of watches and bracelets, a deactivated antique shotgun and a cheque book.

"Foley tried to write himself a cheque for £2,000 and £4,000, which was refused by the bank who alerted the victim."

The cheque book was found in Foley's car when he was stopped and arrested by Greater Manchester Police after being spotted driving erratically in Rochdale on 14 July.

Foley, of Manchester, admitted burglary and theft, attempted robbery, and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place and jailed for seven years.

He pleaded not guilty to section 18 wounding with intent and fraud by false representation, these charges will lie on file.

Detective Constable Ash said: "Now that Foley has been jailed for a substantial time, I hope this reassures shopworkers and residents alike that we do take crime seriously, and that by working with you and gathering evidence such as CCTV, we can put these criminals before the court.

"CCTV is a valuable tool as we have seen here. I hope that its prevalence in our communities and our commitment to catching criminals deters others from targeting businesses and homes."