UPDATE North Yorkshire Police Investigate Wireless Broadband ISP Kit Theft

The North Yorkshire Police (England) have launched an investigation after a wireless broadband server, which helped to provide Internet access to the local area, was stolen from a mast located close to Newton-upon-Rawcliffe on Sunday 9th February 2014.

The equipment itself was only believed to be worth around £50 but the thieves caused roughly £300 worth of damage in order to reach it and also disrupted wireless broadband connectivity to the local area.

PC Melony Pitchford said:

“If you saw any unusual vehicles in the Newton-upon-Rawcliffe area around the time of the burglary, I ask that you get in touch with me as soon as possible as I believe you may have information that could help my enquiry. I also need to speak to anyone who may have been offered the stolen equipment and ask them to get in touch.”

Anyone who can assist with this investigation has been asked to contact Malton police on 101, select option 2 and ask for Melony Pitchford. Alternatively, information can be emailed to melony.pitchford@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk or you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 5551111, quoting reference number 12140021721.

The police don’t say which ISP or organisation the equipment belongs to, although Nynet, Moorsweb, LN Communications (aka – I Love Broadband) and Quickline Communications all have some coverage in and around the same region.

UPDATE 3:46pm

This appears to be related to the Newton and Stape network that was purchased from the controversially defunct NextGenUs network a few years ago. Beeline Broadband Limited, which is owned and operated by Newton resident Billy Garrett (formerly the local first line support agent who managed the network for NextGenUs), is understood to now have control.