WHITCHURCH’S mayor has urged anyone with information over the ‘appalling’ theft of Civic Centre recording equipment to come forward.

A Sony AV recorder was stolen from the building on High Street on Thursday, August 3, with West Mercia Police issuing an appeal.

Councillor Andy Hall, mayor of Whitchurch, has pleaded for the return of the equipment because of the role it will play in providing entertainment to the town’s vulnerable people and others.

And he urged people to come forward if they know who took the recorder.

“Basically it was a piece of AV equipment that we bought with the idea of being able to show films to people that were struggling with their bills and also offer them a bit of food too,” said Cllr Hall.

“We hope to still do that.

“We used it to show the King’s Coronation and there is a dual-use too as we also use it for our council meetings where we need it.

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“The thinking is that it would lead to us offering a ‘Flicks in the Sticks’ type of night at the Civic Centre.

“It is appalling that someone thinks that they can just walk in and steal a community asset that we have paid for people to use.

“I was shocked when I was told by the clerk what had happened and we’re hoping that it’s not just about someone recognising him but also retrieving that piece of equipment.

“Someone must recognise him – if they do, then they can call me anonymously if need be or get in touch with the Civic Centre staff and we can get it back."

West Mercia Police issued an appeal for witnesses and information and officers are searching for the man who wore a baseball cap and had a beard.

A force spokesman said: “We would like to speak to this man as we believe they may be able to help with our enquires into a burglary that occurred on August 3 around 3pm at the Civic Centre in Whitchurch.

“A Sony AV receiver was taken. 

“Anybody who can identify this man is asked to contact Whitchurch SNT by email Whitchurch.snt@westmercia.police.uk

“You can also anonymously contact the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through their online form: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously”