'Huge blow' after pub hit by masked burglar

The manager of a Leamington Spa pub which was broken into at the weekend said the burglary had dealt the business a "huge blow".

Windmill Hill Brewery and Taproom was targeted on Sunday, with CCTV footage capturing a masked person breaking in through the back door before fleeing on an e-scooter.

Manager Ben Cowan told the BBC the raid left him feeling violated and came after a slow start to the year.

The burglary was reported to Warwickshire Police, which has not yet responded to a request for comment.

Stock and cash from weekend takings were stolen and there was damage to the pub's doors and gates, Cowan said.

A post on the pub's Instagram page appealed for information from the public, adding that the stolen money was what a "small independent business like ours works unbelievably hard for".

"If anyone sees or hears anything, or recognises the e-scooter-riding assailant, please get in touch."

Cowan told the BBC that while January and February were its hardest months, the first weekend of March had brought in a lot of business.

"Many hospitality businesses are struggling under current conditions, especially smaller, independent ones like Windmill Hill Brewery," he said.

"[The break-in] is very upsetting. It feels like a violation; not just of the premises, but of everything that went into making the weekend events happen."

Independent businesses in the area are remaining on alert after the burglary.

The manager said he hoped the community would rally together.

"We rely upon the goodwill that we have built with customers over the years," he said.

"During that time, we have seen an area of South Leamington go from dark streets and often troubled by crime and disorder, to one that is vibrant and full of independent community spirit. We hope it can stay that way."

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