Sea Cadets appeal after thieves strike

Mast and binnacle stolen from unit’s base

OLDHAM Sea Cadets is appealing for the return of its historic mast and binnacle.

The binnacle — the post that holds a ship’s compass and wheel — is made of wood and brass and is worth up to £5,000, while the 18ft tall wooden mast holds sentimental value as it was made by a cadet member 20 years ago.

Thieves stole the items between 7pm on Friday, April 29, and noon the following day from outside the group’s headquarters in Derker Street.

Unit chairman Chris Madeley is urging anyone who knows their whereabouts to contact him.

He said: “We were set to move the items out of the shared building on the Saturday because it is under a compulsory purchase order and we are due to move into a new base.

“But when I arrived with four volunteers, we discovered the items had been taken out and left on the street outside the building.

“People must have thought because they were on the street, they were there for the taking.

“The binnacle is from an original ship and has been in the unit for many years, which means it actually belongs to the Ministry of Defence.

“It’s worth up to £5,000 and is so heavy, you would need a few people to move it.

“The mast can’t be worth more than £150 but it holds great sentimental value. Losing it is very upsetting because it was made by one of our own cadets.”

The cadets unit is moving to the former Go-to-Doc building in Yates Street in the next two months and planned to rehouse the items there.

Mr Madeley said: “We’d love to get the items back and will gladly collect them from wherever they are found.

“I’m appealing for anyone who has seen the items in second-hand shops, scrap yards or even ebay to call me on 07786-744 757.”

PC Becki Mercer, of the Oldham East Neighbourhood Investigation Unit (NIU), said: “The items stolen hold great historical and sentimental value to the group.

“I want to hear from anyone who can help me get them back and identify the offenders.

“I also want anyone who has been approached with a view to buying the items to contact the police.”

Anyone with information can also call the NIU on 0161-856 9098, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800-555 111.