UK COMPUTERS STOLEN FROM CHARITY Charity In 6 000 Computer Theft Blow (from Thisisdorset):

Charity in £6,000 computer theft blow
By Morwenna Blake
Comment

THE elderly and disabled in north Dorset will be the worst hit after callous thieves targeted a charity in a series of burglaries netting £10,000 worth of goods on Sunday night.

A unit used by Sturminster Newton Community Learning Centre was one of five broken into at The Sidings, Station Road, Stalbridge overnight between Sunday and Monday.

Seven laptop computers, invaluable in its work, were lost.


Manager Gregg Pyne said: 'These people have really done a disservice to the community, particularly the elderly and the disabled in the area.

'This means we will not be able to do our outreach work until we can get the laptops replaced.'

The thieves picked out the newest computers among the dozen or so the charity uses to work in community halls across north Dorset, leaving older models behind.

Mr Pyne estimates the value of the goods lost from the charity's unit alone at £5,000, with the cost in manpower to repair damage and replace software adding at least another £1,000 to the bill.

The burglars used a crowbar or something similar to force the locks on all but one of the business units at the site and as well as the laptops stole cash, other computer equipment and satellite navigation equipment.

PC Alistair Davidson, of Sherborne Police, said: "This is an unusual series of crimes for the area and I believe the same people are responsible for all five of them."

Contact police in confidence on 01202 222222.