Air cadets grounded by break-ins

The crooks stole five new tents and a rucksack from the North Bersted premises of the 2351 (Bognor) Squadron Air Training Corps.

The items were taken during the second of two break-ins at the Chichester Road building within just five days.

They had been bought by cadets who had taken part in the recent Chichester march ready for an expedition next month.

Flt Lt Malcolm Penberthy, in charge of the squadron, said: 'This expedition now appears to be in jeopardy.

'Some of the cadets would have used it for their Duke of Edinburgh bronze award expedition to the Witterings and back, with an overnight stay.

'We would have made it a squadron weekend with all the cadets but we may not go ahead with it now,' he stated.

The tents and rucksack were stolen when the burglars ripped off the temporary boarding put up at the squadron's HQ after the previous break-in.

As well as the thefts, the burglars also appeared to have a party by eating the contents of its tuck shop.

The first break in involved vandals letting off fire extinguishers around the inside of the headquarters and into the back of a television set donated by the parents of some of the 17 cadets aged 13-19.

Flt Lt Penberthy said the crimes were the first which the squadron had suffered in at least seven years.

They occurred around July 24/25 and again on the weekend of July 28 and 29.

'The squadron supports the town and local community and the feeling, both by members of staff and cadets, is to wonder why we are a target,' he stated.

He added that security at the site would be stepped up. The break ins had been reported to the site owner, the Ministry of Defence. Its officials would consider what action to take.