[05 DEC 00] CRIMES, FIRES & ACCIDENTS
Bungling Robber Strikes Four Times

A bungling robber tried to hold up four banks and post offices before finally getting some money, but was arrested minutes later.

The man, aged 34, has now been detained under the Mental Health Act following the series of incidents in Warwick when he claimed he had a gun.

He failed to get money from his first target, the Cape Road post office at 12.30pm. He approached the counter and asked for cash but was turned away.

Minutes later he struck at the Nat West back in High Street, telling staff that he had a gun and should be given money. Again he was turned away.

There was a similar incident at Barclays, before the man was finally given cash at the Cheltenham and Gloucester in Market Street just after 1pm.