UK COMPUTERS STOLEN http://edinburghnews.scotsman.com/breaking-edinburgh-news/Thieves-escape-with-thousands-in.5706215.jp
Tuesday, 6th October 2009
Thieves escape with thousands in Army cadet HQ raid
Published Date: 06 October 2009
THIEVES broke in to a remote Army cadet HQ and stole thousands of pounds worth of computer and TV equipment, it was revealed today.
The theft took place at Drumshoreland House in Broxburn, West Lothian, headquarters of the Lothian and Borders Battalion Army Cadet Force, between Sunday night and the early hours of Monday morning – just hours after hundreds of cadets had left.
The culprits made off with nine laptop computers; seven desktop computers, monitors and other computer equipment; five large screen plasma televisions and other equipment estimated to be worth more than £20,000.
The facility – a former hospital hidden in the middle of woodlands – is used by more than 600 male and female cadets aged 12-18, as a weekend training centre.
The stolen equipment – including a 50 inch plasma screen – was used for lessons and presentations.
Major Nancy Thorne, cadet executive officer, said: "The cadets left on Sunday afternoon to go climbing and the thieves broke in some time between Sunday evening and early Monday morning.
"They targeted the accommodation area, lecture room and dining room and took computers, plasma screen TVs, power point projectors and other equipment – all the equipment which was used to do presentations and lessons for the cadets.
"In the lecture room there was a big 50 inch plasma screen which was all linked up with power point projector, but it's all gone.
"They also took 10 continental quilts which, presumably, were used to wrap up the plasma screens.
"The impact is on the local community and the cadets.
"The building is in the middle of nowhere basically. There was a barrier down and the building was completely locked down so it must have taken some planning. They would also have needed a vehicle.
"It was all top class equipment so the cadets will be devastated."
The Army Cadet Force is a national youth organisation sponsored by the MoD, which provides challenging military, adventurous, sporting and community activities.
The Lothian and Borders Battalion Army Cadet Force has 649 cadet members, who use Drumshoreland House at weekends for training. Its facilities include accommodation, lecture facilities, an obstacle course and climbing wall.
The building is also used during the week as battalion headquarters – based at one end of the building, where the majority of computer equipment was stolen from.
It is thought the thieves may have used a fire escape to access the building.
Major Thorne added: "Because it is a youth organisation it serves to enhance the local young people to produce well rounded people. I'm sure the local community will be gutted too.
"This is the first time in my six years here that anything like this has happened.
"We're just trying to get back to normal and resume training."
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information is requested to contact Broxburn Police Station on 01506852121, or alternatively they should contact Crimestoppers in confidence and complete anonymity on 0800555 111.
The facility – a former hospital hidden in the middle of woodlands – is used by more than 600 male and female cadets aged 12-18, as a weekend training centre.
The stolen equipment – including a 50 inch plasma screen – was used for lessons and presentations.
Major Nancy Thorne, cadet executive officer, said: "The cadets left on Sunday afternoon to go climbing and the thieves broke in some time between Sunday evening and early Monday morning.
"They targeted the accommodation area, lecture room and dining room and took computers, plasma screen TVs, power point projectors and other equipment – all the equipment which was used to do presentations and lessons for the cadets.
"In the lecture room there was a big 50 inch plasma screen which was all linked up with power point projector, but it's all gone.
"They also took 10 continental quilts which, presumably, were used to wrap up the plasma screens.
"The impact is on the local community and the cadets.
"The building is in the middle of nowhere basically. There was a barrier down and the building was completely locked down so it must have taken some planning. They would also have needed a vehicle.
"It was all top class equipment so the cadets will be devastated."
The Army Cadet Force is a national youth organisation sponsored by the MoD, which provides challenging military, adventurous, sporting and community activities.
The Lothian and Borders Battalion Army Cadet Force has 649 cadet members, who use Drumshoreland House at weekends for training. Its facilities include accommodation, lecture facilities, an obstacle course and climbing wall.
The building is also used during the week as battalion headquarters – based at one end of the building, where the majority of computer equipment was stolen from.
It is thought the thieves may have used a fire escape to access the building.
Major Thorne added: "Because it is a youth organisation it serves to enhance the local young people to produce well rounded people. I'm sure the local community will be gutted too.
"This is the first time in my six years here that anything like this has happened.
"We're just trying to get back to normal and resume training."
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information is requested to contact Broxburn Police Station on 01506852121, or alternatively they should contact Crimestoppers in confidence and complete anonymity on 0800555 111.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment