AN URGENT appeal to find Warwickshire’s most wanted man has been launched by police.
Paul Ashford, 31, from Rugby is wanted in connection with a series of knifepoint robberies and an assault in Rugby – and police want to find him as soon as possible.
Det Insp Dave Andrews from the Warwickshire Police Offender Management Unit said: “This has been a concerning series of incidents and we are concerned more will be committed unless we catch the person responsible.
“Ashford is also wanted on warrant for breach of a court order.
“He has a very distinctive tattoo on his neck so he will be noticeable. If anyone sees him or knows of his whereabouts please call 999 immediately.”
The robberies took place at Coral Bookmakers in Hillmorton Road at 8.30pm on September 24, One Stop in Lower Hillmorton Road at 9.10pm on September 25, Best One convenience store in Deane Road at 8.10pm on September 28, Coral Bookmakers in Kingsway at 8.30pm on September 30, and One Stop Community Store in Frobisher Road at 7.45pm on October 3.
Officers offered the following advice to shop workers in Rugby:
– Be vigilant and report anything suspicious to police
– Don’t keep tills open any longer than necessary, ensure more than one member of staff is on hand when money is being moved and count cash in a secure area
– Keep as little cash as possible in tills by regularly transferring it to a more secure location. Use stickers or posters to tell robbers that you only keep a small float in the till
– Having more staff working deters robbers
– Be extra vigilant if you stay open late
– Make sure your CCTV is working and appropriately positioned.
Anyone with information that could help police catch Ashford should call 999 immediately, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
