Community Centre loses £15,000 worth of computers in raid

A burglary overnight last Saturday was followed by a repeat attack last Thursday night.

Chairman John Izzard says replacing equipment essential to the running of the association and repairing damage caused will cost 10,000.

Now he has had to ask the board to invest 5,000 in improved security.

He says a satellite-link alarm system is the only means of protecting Sidley House because crowbar-armed raiders merely cut conventional land-lines.

In recent years the community association has brought tens of thousands of pounds of grant aid into Sidley.

Now work is being severely curtailed because there is no purpose in replacing expensive and essential computers until the extra security is in place.

Instead, some staff are working from home.

Mr Izzard says: "The first break-in was achieved by forcing a canteen window open.

"Two PCs, modems, a photo-copying machine the property of Xerox and a video and a still camera were stolen.

"The burglars apparently ignored two other PCs in the main office. Although we were aware of a possible second visit, it was not possible to effect a higher degree of security immediately."

After police investigated the raid the association called in both its insurers and specialist security companies to advice on a comprehensive alarm system.

Then a window in the hall was forced in the second raid. "Two PCs in main office left the first time were taken, plus a replacement PC. A filing cabinet and drawer to a desk were also forced open.

"Sidley Community Centre survived for some five years or so with PCs in the building and no thefts.

"We must now review our situation regarding security. We seem to have attracted more professional thieves."