The bungling thief left fingerprints at the scene – and forensic officers traced Taurean Edwards and caught up with him
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day’s biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
We have more newsletters
A bungling thief left fingerprints behind after trying to steal cash from The Botanist restaurant in Didsbury – then went on to swipe £9,000 from the nearby Victoria Inn.
Taurean Edwards, 30, was caught by police after leaving evidence behind linking him to both crimes.
Detectives said that Edwards, of Shawlea Avenue, Burnage , burst into The Botanist on School Lane in the early hours of Wednesday, October 18.
After demanding to speak to the manager, he forced his way into the office and asked for money.
When a man working in the bar explained that he was unable to open the tills, Edwards became frustrated and fled the scene.
Then just over a month later, on Thursday, November 30, more than £9,000 was taken from the Victoria Inn on Burnage Lane, during which Edwards left evidence behind at the scene.
Officers investigating these incidents found fingerprint evidence which linked Edwards to both crimes and on 3 December 2017, he was arrested.
Edwards appeared at Manchester Crown Court on Friday and was jailed for five years after earlier pleading guilty to attempted robbery at The Botanist and burglary at the Victoria Inn.
Det Con Steve Lowton of GMP’s City of Manchester team, said: “There has been an extensive investigation to make sure Edwards was held to account for his actions.
“He threatened innocent businesses and the people working within them too many times, and this kind of intimidating behaviour will not be tolerated.
“This result shows how committed we are to bringing those who threaten hardworking people to justice, and will hopefully offer some closure to those who were affected by his actions.”
A GMP spokesman added: “Taurean Edwards (27/04/1987) of Shawlea Avenue, Burnage was sentenced on Friday 12 January 2018 to 5 years in prison for attempted robbery and burglary at Manchester Crown Square Court.
“In the early hours of Wednesday 18 October 2017 Edwards burst into The Botanist on School Lane. After demanding to speak to the manager, Edwards forced his way into the office and asked for money.
“When a man working in the bar explained that he was unable to open the tills, Edwards became frustrated and fled the scene.
“More than a month later on Thursday 30 November 2017, over £9,000 was taken from the Victoria Inn on Burnage Lane, during which Edwards left evidence behind at the scene. Officers investigating these incidents found fingerprint evidence which linked Edwards to both crimes and on 3 December 2017, he was arrested.”
Got a story or an issue you want us to investigate? Want to tell us about something going on where you live? Let us know – in complete confidence – by emailing newsdesk@men-news.co.uk, calling us on 0161 211 2323, tweeting us @MENnewsdesk or messaging us on our Facebook page . You can also send us a story tip using the form here .