No Longer Active
10-14-2009, 05:02 PM
**Idiots Try To Joyride A Chopper**
Hunt For Teens Who Tried Helicopter Joyride
Two teenage thieves who tried to take a helicopter for a joyride are being hunted by police.
The pair struck while the unlocked aircraft was parked in a field at Letchworth Rugby Club in Hertfordshire.
The pilot, in his 40s, returned from a meeting to find an iPod, first aid kit, torches and fire extinguisher stolen.
He then discovered that the light-fingered culprits had also undertaken the first stages of starting the engine.
After carrying out safety checks, the helicopter owner took off and hovered at low altitude to check nothing was awry.
At this point he spotted two teenagers, both with bicycles, hiding in a bush nearby and watching him. Police want to trace them.
PC Quentin Lane, who is investigating the incident, said the pilot discovered that a series of electrical switches had been tampered with.
He said: "Having seen the two youths acting suspiciously, the helicopter hovered over the Jackmans estate for a short time.
"If you remember this and saw anyone matching the descriptions of the two youths we would like to speak to I would ask that you contact police."
One youth is described as white, aged about 15, and was wearing a grey and white hooded top.
The second is slightly younger and was wearing a camouflage top.
The pilot travels regularly between Berkshire and Letchworth on business and had an arrangement with the rugby club to use their property to park.
Anyone with information about the incident, on the afternoon of Wednesday September 30, should call PC Lane on 0845 3300 222.
Hunt For Teens Who Tried Helicopter Joyride
Two teenage thieves who tried to take a helicopter for a joyride are being hunted by police.
The pair struck while the unlocked aircraft was parked in a field at Letchworth Rugby Club in Hertfordshire.
The pilot, in his 40s, returned from a meeting to find an iPod, first aid kit, torches and fire extinguisher stolen.
He then discovered that the light-fingered culprits had also undertaken the first stages of starting the engine.
After carrying out safety checks, the helicopter owner took off and hovered at low altitude to check nothing was awry.
At this point he spotted two teenagers, both with bicycles, hiding in a bush nearby and watching him. Police want to trace them.
PC Quentin Lane, who is investigating the incident, said the pilot discovered that a series of electrical switches had been tampered with.
He said: "Having seen the two youths acting suspiciously, the helicopter hovered over the Jackmans estate for a short time.
"If you remember this and saw anyone matching the descriptions of the two youths we would like to speak to I would ask that you contact police."
One youth is described as white, aged about 15, and was wearing a grey and white hooded top.
The second is slightly younger and was wearing a camouflage top.
The pilot travels regularly between Berkshire and Letchworth on business and had an arrangement with the rugby club to use their property to park.
Anyone with information about the incident, on the afternoon of Wednesday September 30, should call PC Lane on 0845 3300 222.