Part 7 - Criminal activity on the Cut

Having left Langley Mill basin we began to wend our way back towards Ilkeston Arriving at Stenson lock at Cotmanhay we were greeted to a most surreal sight. Marian had opened the gate and I was slowly entering the lock when at least twelve to fifteen men appeared from our left in a state of agitation, ran over the bridge in front of us and the lock gates.

I don't think one had to be a genius to recognise nefarious activity occurring. They all shot off in to the bushes across the towpath. One came back clambering over the lock gate behind me with his bike. I'm not sure he would have taken any time to reflect the divine intervention that prevented him from falling in when he tripped. My heart was in my mouth.

Their activity was feverish reminding me of ants excited at having found some crumbs on the floor. Well just as most had disappeared into the bushes two others, clearly the ones they wished to find and dressed in smart attire, ran over the bridge and up the towpath. Then back out of the bushes they came gesticulating, shouting some on foot some on bikes. Honestly it seemed all quite mad.

 A couple of minutes later two policemen walked over the bridge, asking us if we'd seen these two men and pointing out the direction they went the policemen thanked us and followed them at a leisurely pace. When I say leisurely I would have overtaken them on the boat. If I was going in their direction of course!

They say crime doesn't pay but I'm not sure the pair whom they were looking for were going to have to cash out that day! Now who says it is quiet on the canals?