Raiders target charity three times

POLICE have recovered goods stolen from an Oldham charity burgled three times in a week.

Pennine Mencap in Union Street was first targeted on Wednesday last week, at 3.30am. Raiders took money, computer equipment and irreplaceable work on a six-month-long film project: leaving leaving behind 55p.

The premises were then burgled again last Sunday and finally this Tuesday. The landlord has now taken extra security measures.

Charity trustee Elliot Sparks said: “I don’t bother going to sleep because I will get a call from the police.”

One of the computers turned up literally around the corner — it had been pawned at Cash Converters in Yorkshire Street. A hard drive was also recovered, but its content had been erased. Touch-screen computers essential for those with learning difficulties were also taken.

Claire Jepson, who helped to co-found the charity, said: “It’s great the police have done their job but in terms of what it has done to us as a charity and people, it’s a huge setback.”

Mr Sparkes believes they were targeted so that the thieves could also get into other offices in the building.

A man is currently in custody.