UK COMPUTER STOLEN FROM DENTAL OFFICECumbria Online - The English Lake District and Cumbria's favourite websiteA CARLISLE dental surgery was forced to turn hundreds of patients away after burglars stole a computer containing all its records.

The Campbell and Wilson practice on Aglionby Street lost three days of work and had to cancel up to 200 appointments after the thieves struck last weekend.

Staff were left unaware of who was coming in as their diary and records were stored in software contained in the stolen computer.

The thieves also stole a potentially deadly sedative drug, prompting police to issue a public warning.

The surgery was open as usual today after back-up discs were installed into a new computer.

Ian Wilson, practice partner, said: “It has been absolute chaos. It seems as though they ran in and just grabbed what they could.”

The burglars broke in over the Bank Holiday weekend. They smashed their way through a UPVC door and grabbed clothing, personal belongings and the computer.

Police say there is no evidence that burglars are specifically targeting dental practices, though two were raided in Penrith on a single night on August 18.

Mr Wilson added: “We are trying to contact every patient who was in on Friday, so we can re-book an appointment. We would ask anyone who was in then to contact us.”

Anyone with information about the theft should call 01768 891999