UK COMPUTERS STOLEN FROM AUTHOR DOCTOR Hampstead and Highgate Express - If you offer a reward we’ll put you on trial: If you offer a reward we’ll put you on trial
editorial@hamhigh.co.uk
19 January 2007
Marc Mullen

A BELSIZE Park resident has been threatened with prosecution for offering a reward for the return of his stolen computers.

Thieves smashed through the back doors of Dr Otto Chan's home in Fellows Road in the early hours of New Year's Eve while he and his family slept.

The criminals took unopened Christmas gifts, presents for Dr Chan who was about to celebrate his 50th birthday, and three computers.

The computers contained more than 150 lectures on radiology, which the consultant gives around the world, as well as pictures of his six children and one grandchild.

Dr Chan said: 'I had backed up my work onto the other computers, but they stole all three. ILuckily I had given copies of the lectures to many registrars and I have had loads sent back.

'The real tragedy is the family pictures. I hadn't backed them up and I hadn't printed them. I have no photos of my youngest Charlie from when he was born two-and-a-half years ago.

'Everything else can be replaced. That's why I'm offering a huge reward no questions asked. Now the police have told me I could be prosecuted for attempting to buy stolen goods because of that. It's ridiculous - I haven't even seen a police officer yet."

When Mr Chan first called police he was told to just clear up because there was no one available to carry out a forensics examination.

Mr Chan then spoke to a home security consultant who advised him to leave everything and contact the police again. After Mr Chan complained, a forensics officer called later that day.

Mr Chan said: "I am stunned by the police's attitude. They told my wife they thought it was a gang from Kilburn, so why haven't they done something?

"My wife is really distraught. Every time the trees rustle she thinks someone is breaking in. I do love living in this area, but I don't want to have to turn my house into a fortress."

There has been a spate of burglaries on Fellows Road - last month cruel thieves broke into pensioner Murray Alexander's flat twice, stealing acomputer and a radio receiver. Just before Christmas Ben Bendien's flat on Fellows Road was broken into and thieves made off with his computer.

A police spokesman said: "Police explained that any reward should be organised with police liaison to ensure no offences would be committed inadvertently by the victims. Police forensic officers have attended the venue and we await the results of this visit. In addition, police were in contact with the victim on January 2."

An officer is visiting Dr Chan this week. The police say they have not identified any suspects and have not linked the burglaries.

Anyone with any information can contact Dr Chan on 07973-676407 or the police on 020-7404 1212 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.