Rescuers out of action 'for weeks' after theft

Mountain rescuers have been put out of action for at least a "couple of weeks" after their equipment was stolen.

Volunteer rescuers from the North of Tyne Mountain Rescue Team (NOTMRT) and Wales' Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Organisation (OVMRO) had travelled to Middlesbrough at the weekend to deliver training to the Cleveland Mountain Rescue Team.

But when they returned to their vehicles at their accommodation, they found their equipment had been stolen.

Mark Silmon, chair of NOTMRT said it was "really sad" and "extremely disappointing" that more than £1,500 worth of his rescue team gear was missing and that his van had been damaged.

"What happened is unpleasant, unnecessary," he said.

"We're all volunteers, we give up our time for free."

Specialist equipment, including helmets and climbing gear, was stolen from the two trainers' vehicles.

Mr Silmon said he expected himself and the other trainer to be "off the hill for at least a couple of weeks".

"I can't just go out and spend £1,500 on equipment that wasn't planned for," he said.

He said other rescuers had offered to lend him equipment, and he was working with his insurance company to replace the gear.

Team leader for the Cleveland Mountain Rescue team Tim Wood said the situation was "massively frustrating".

"It reduces their availability and ability to respond to call-outs," he said.

"We're talking hundreds of pounds, and that's gone."

Mr Wood asked people to "think twice" if they were offered the stolen equipment.

Cleveland Police said it received reports two vehicles in the car park of the Premier Inn on Marton Way in Middlesbrough had been broken into on Saturday evening.

A spokesperson added that an investigation was under way.

Follow BBC Tees on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. Send your story ideas here.