Leeds Tech Angels project to help disadvantaged children sets up funding appeal after being hit by theft of 40 laptops

Leeds Tech Angels, a project started in December to tackle the digital divide, was devastated yesterday to discover that almost half of the laptops it had acquired had been stolen during an over-night raid on its secure unit at a business centre in Sheepscar.

Ben McKenna who leads the Leeds Tech Angels project said: "Discovering the theft was a crushing blow but, thanks to the kindness and encouragement of the people of Leeds, we are now more determined than ever to go on.

“Our initial appeal was centred on sourcing laptops and other IT kit. However, that excluded individuals and businesses who wanted to help but didn’t have spare equipment to give.

“All of the money raised by this appeal will be used to buy new laptops for young people across the city and enable them to fulfil their potential. It’s a simple campaign with a very simple goal.

“This is a unique opportunity for Leeds to pull together and make a genuine difference to real life prospects. Please help us to give these young people a proper chance.”

Tech Angels had been appealing to businesses, and individuals, to donate unused and old tech equipment from laptops to hard-drives and tablets which it would then safely wipe clean of data and re-purpose.

The machines would then, in conjunction with Leeds City Council and local schools, be handed out to families who didn't have the equipment or internet access for children to be able to home-school effectively.

Tech Angels had set a target of obtaining 200 devices and thanks to a donation of 42 laptops from Hitachi Capital last week, had reached the halfway mark - before the break-in at Unity Business Centre on Roundhay Road.

They had been valued at around £500 each but will have been virtually useless as the hard drives had been removed.

Last night West Yorkshire Police said enquiries were taking place to establish what was taken and local officers are increasing patrols in the area. It also issued an appeal for witnesses or anyone with information which may assist the investigation to contact police at Leeds on 101 or by using the options on the West Yorkshire Police website.

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