02 November 2004

Thieves who took vital community radio equipment worth almost £2,000 have
been condemned by radio bosses.

The equipment was stolen during a break-in at the Forest of Dean Radio
office in Cinderford. It was used widely by people from all walks of life to
make community programmes for Forest of Dean Radio.

Now the public will have to lose out until the expensive equipment can be
replaced.

Among the items stolen were two grey laptop computers worth £800 each.

Forest of Dean Radio's Amanda Smith said she was really disappointed that
this had happened.

She said: "Whoever it was smashed the front door to get in and they stole
the laptops.

"They seemed to leave behind some of the other equipment but took those.

"The laptops are used by people who come in to make community packages, so
really they stole them from the community.

"I just think it's terrible and whoever did it needs to realise that they
did that."

The station has been on air since July 2002 with several live broadcasts
each week and an information loop going out at all other times.

It offers a mix of community-based programmes, including local and national
news, current affairs, sport and youth issues.

The equipment that was stolen during the burglary is very important in the
day-to-day running of the station.

Forest of Dean police say they are looking into the incident and they are
appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Police spokeswoman Zoe Young said: "We received a call at about 7am on
Saturday, October 23, to say that there had been a break-in at Forest of
Dean Radio.

"It had been broken into some time overnight between Friday and Saturday
morning.

"Offenders had smashed the front door to gain access and a number of items
were stolen.

"These included two ACA laptops, grey in colour and worth £800 each, a Sony
CD writer valued at £250 and a blue audio interface worth £50.

"We are appealing for witnesses to the incident to come forward.

"We would also like to hear from anyone who has been offered these items at
a low price."


Anyone with information about the burglary should contact Gloucestershire
Police on 0845 090 1234 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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