Rochdale Knife Raider Locked Up for 12 Years
Sean Zaffer Traynor of Channing Square, Rochdale, has been jailed for 12 years after a string of terrifying supermarket robberies. He admitted to six counts of business robbery and six counts of carrying a bladed weapon during raids in late 2021.
Hatchet-Wielding Bandit Targets Local Stores
Between November and December 2021, Traynor struck multiple commercial supermarkets across Rochdale. Using a knife and even a hatchet, he threatened staff to hand over cash and scratch cards from behind the till.
The first daring raid happened at a Morrisons at 7pm on November 13, where Traynor stormed in wielding a hatchet, terrifying staff before making off with cash and scratch cards. The robberies continued for weeks, leaving workers shaken and the stores collectively over £2,000 worse off.
Police Praise Team Effort in Bringing Raider to Justice
“This was a series of terrifying robberies that saw staff members and shoppers scared for their lives – some are still recovering from the ordeal,” said Detective Constable Elizabeth Stacey from GMP’s Rochdale Crime Investigation Department.
“The staff were simply doing their jobs when they were threatened with a weapon. Our team worked tirelessly, gathering CCTV and witness evidence to piece together a timeline strong enough to charge Traynor.”
“Yesterday’s sentencing proves that no matter how organised offenders think they are, we will investigate thoroughly and lock them up for the long haul.”
“I’m relieved a dangerous individual is now off the streets and justice has been served.”
Zero Tolerance for Armed Crime in Greater Manchester
Superintendent Ian Jones, Greater Manchester Police’s force lead for robbery, added: “Officers across the force are committed to rooting out armed robbers. Thankfully, no one was physically hurt during these crimes, but the victims were left understandably shaken, fearing for their lives.”
“Our teams won’t stop working to keep Greater Manchester safe and make sure criminals have nowhere to hide.”
