Brothers deny post office package theft plot

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TWO Bolton brothers have gone on trial accused of stealing packages from the post office where they worked.

Their alleged dishonesty came to light after an official from the UK Border Agency arrived at the post office in Wigan Lane Wigan, on April 1 last year during an investigation.

He found that 18- year-old Ali Akbar was working behind the counter but his immigration visa had expired on December 21, 2007.

At the time, his older brother, Kamran Ali, aged 33, was not present as he was in Pakistan, said John Gibson, prosecuting, at Liverpool Crown Court.

The officer, along with two police officers, then went to the home of the brothers in Green Avenue, Bolton, and searched it.

In the two bedrooms, used by the brothers, the court heard the officers found stolen property which included two laptops, a large number of mobile phones, two DVD players and other electrical equipment.

A total of 32 items were recovered, said Mr Gibson. As well as electrical items, coins worth £1,100, which had been posted for return to the Royal Mint, were found, as was a large pink holdall.

“It was clear to the officers that the property must have come from Wigan Lane post office,” he added.

The matter was reported to the Royal Mail and both men were later arrested.

“Both men played an active role in running the post office and Kamran was intending to take over from the incumbent post master,” said Mr Gibson.

The brothers have both denied conspiring to steal postal packages belonging to the Royal Mail between December, 2008, and April 1, 2009.

Mr Gibson told the jury that Akbar “has admitted he was stealing parcels from the post office.

“He accepts he was stealing but insists he was not stealing in agreement with his brother.”

The case continues.