Warning after another Leamington canal towpath robbery

POLICE have issued a safety warning after another robbery was reported on the canal towpath in Leamington.

In the latest attack, just after 8am on Wednesday, April 25 by the Grand Union Canal near the former Ford foundry site, a cyclist was stopped by two hooded teenagers and asked for a light for their cigarette.

As the man looked for his lighter one of the strangers produced a knife and demanded his wallet and mobile phone.

The cyclist handed over his wallet but did not have a mobile phone with him, after which one of the attackers punched him to the head, causing him to fall off his bike, which was also stolen.

Police have previously charged three 16-year old males with robberies on the canal towpath in Leamington in recent weeks, while five others have been bailed pending further enquiries.

The force, offering advice to people using the local canal towpaths, said in a statement: “Regardless of the time of day people are using the towpath they should remain vigilant and take extra security precautions, in particular ensuring they keep valuable items such as mobile phones and wallest or purses out of view.”

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