Elderly lollipop man too distressed to return to work after thief stole his stick

An elderly lollipop man who had his stick stolen in a shocking robbery is too distressed to return to his job. The 82-year-old, who has spent 14 years working on school crossing sites across Coventry, was targeted last Wednesday by a man in dark clothing. The attacker approached the lollipop man in Humber Road, Stoke, wrestling the 82-year-old to the ground before running off with the stick. The lollipop man, from Nuneaton, escaped with minor injuries.



Det Insp Gareth Mason said: “The pensioner has done this job for over 14 years and he was not prepared to just hand over his treasured crossing sign. He refused to let go and ended up in a struggle with his assailant, ultimately leading to the robber pushing his elderly victim to the floor before running off with the lollipop stick. This is a particularly senseless offence against an elderly man, who is carrying out a public duty.



“Since the attack the victim has been too distressed and shaken by what happened to return to work - something that has devastated him after so many years of devoted service. He also suffered injuries to his left side as a result of the fall. It is only through fortune that the injuries were not more serious. We are determined to identify the offender and request the help of the local community or anybody who witnessed the offence.”


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The well-known lollipop man was helping pupils from Gosford Park Primary School, All Saints Church of England Primary School and Coventry Blue Coat School on the day he was targeted. The robber is described as white, 6ft 2ins tall, of athletic build and in his late 20s to early 30s. He had bushy or thick hair and was wearing dark clothing. After the attack a passer-by spotted a blue Vauxhall Vectra driving away and stopping in a nearby street. Three men got out, one of whom was carrying the lollipop stick. The brave passer-by confronted him and got the stick back. If you can help call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously.