TRAVEL AGENCY ROBBER MAY HAVE STRUCK 31 TIMES

South Wales Argus
April 24, 2008 Thursday

POLICE have launched a nationwide hunt for a man wanted in connection
with 31 robberies throughout the country, including the armed robbery
of a Gwent travel agents.

A gunman struck Newport’s Thomas Cook travel agents in broad daylight
on July 27 2006.

The man stormed in to the Commercial Street store and demanded money
from the bureau de change in front of terrified customers.

More than 18 months later, the man is still at large and West Mercia
Police now believe the robbery could be linked to another 30 around
the UK.

The force have issued an appeal to find Haik Madoyan, a 35-year-old
Armenian who they want to question in connection with the robberies.

He entered the UK in 2001 claiming asylum status but, although this
was finally rejected in 2003, he remained in the UK.

He is also known as Hayk Matoyan, Martin Fisnar and Hamid Riza.

Police believe Madoyan’s right eye is a prosthetic replacement after
he lost his eye during military service in Armenia in 1992.

In addition, as a result of his injuries his left eye can appear
watery.

He is described as having a tanned or Mediterranean complexion,
being around 5ft 6-7 inches tall and of a stocky – overweight build.

He has short, dark receding hair and a scar on the left-hand side of
his face. His speech is heavily accented.

West Mercia Constabulary’s South Worcestershire Division is leading
the investigation – one of the robberies was committed at the Co-op
travel agents, High Street, Worcester, on June 19, 2006.

DI Andy Price said: "These robberies are believed to have been carried
out by one man.

"We know he has lived, and may have associates, in Middlesex, Coventry
and Gloucester and in 2007 he was known to have lived at a number of
addresses on Northampton.

"I would strongly advise members of the public not to approach this
individual due to the nature of the crimes he is wanted in connection
with, but call the police if they see him."

Anyone with any information can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555
111 or DI Andy Price on 08457 444 888