Londis attacked by knife robber

A recent attempted armed robbery in Leamington Spa has caused concern for the safety of Warwick students. The Londis convenience store on Tachbrook Road in Leamington Spa was targeted by a knife wielding man on Wednesday 13th January.

The staff member confronted by the attacker held his ground, and refused the demands of the man, whilst immediately alerting the police. The event has triggered concern amongst some students regarding the safety of off-campus accommodation.

Malcolm, the staff member concerned in the Londis incident, is a friendly familiar face to most of the student customers. He described the ordeal as “going really quickly.”

When asked what made him refuse to open the till he replied; “I have no idea, it was just instinct but I am really glad I did it. Had I given him the money, his success may have encouraged him to target other shops in the future.”

The event in question occurred between 9.30 and 9.45pm – a time when many students are heading out to pubs, bars and clubs. Calum Graley, a second year Maths student living in North Leamington, expressed alarm at the early occurrence of such a serious crime. He said, “Crime happens everywhere, but it is concerning that there are people with weapons causing trouble even in the early evening.”

He remains unconcerned about living in the area, saying; “I have heard that Leamington is a safe and sociable place.”

Crime levels in South Leamington are at their lowest since 2002 according to www.safer-neighbourhoods.co.uk; and the Warwickshire police site states that crime in Leamington Spa as a whole has decreased 24.8% in a year.

However, Frederic Markiewicz said “I come from Brussels and feel a lot safer there than I do living in Leamington.”

Most students spoken to by the Boar admit that the majority of crime they have experienced in Leamington has been the result of drunken students rather than anything more serious.

If anybody has information concerning the incident at the Londis Supermarket, they are advised to contact Warwickshire Police on 01926 415000. Information can also be passed confidentially to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.