A Crumpsall man who targeted women in a series of robberies has been jailed for fourteen years
Jason Cunliffe aged 52 of Wilton Road, was sentenced to 14 years imprisonment at Manchester Crown Court today after pleading guilty to five counts of robbery, two counts of fraud and one count each of attempted robbery, burglary and theft.
Between 17 August and 3 September 2025, 10 incidents were reported in which a man approached women in public spaces and forcibly stole their handbags and other belongings.
In several cases, victims were dragged to the ground and wrestled before Cunliffe fled on foot.
Seven of the victims confirmed having had their handbags stolen in violent robberies targeting lone women across Manchester, Salford and Bury.
All incidents occurred in public areas and Cunliffe deliberately targeted women who were alone or in a pair.
He was apprehended when officers on proactive patrols in known hotspot areas spotted a man acting suspiciously in Crumpsall. On seeing the police vehicle, Cunliffe attempted to hide by ducking down next to a car.
They saw this and approached, he then fled prompting a foot chase. Officers pursued and arrested him on the spot.
After a house search, officers found 12 handbags and other items including an iPad, iPhone, Hugo Boss jumper and Samsung tablet that Cunliffe had stolen. Fortunately, our officers were able to return the stolen items to the victims.
