Warning over stolen scuba gear

STOLEN scuba equipment could cause serious injury in the wrong hands, a Newhaven diver has warned.

Up to 20,000 of diving gear was stolen from the Newhaven Scuba Centre, West Quay, between 8pm on Saturday and 8am Sunday.

Crooks broke down a door, ransacked the centre s shop and backed a vehicle into the premises to load up before making their escape.

Gary Ellis, the centre s divemaster, said the scuba gear was designed for use by certified divers only and could result in tragedy if used by others.

Whilst this is a blow to the centre and we have now got repairs and restocking to do we are most concerned that this equipment is not offered for sale to people who have not been properly trained to use it.

Diving is fun but it is important that it is conducted safely by certified divers.

The equipment stolen included Scubapro buoyancy control jackets, regulators, wet suits, dive knives, pool fins and dive reels, Uwatec and Suunto dive computers and instrument consoles, Citizen dive watches, Underwater Kinetics torches, a Sea and Sea underwater camera and the centre s cash till and contents.

Newhaven Scuba Centre is the only authorised Scubapro dealership in the area.

Readers who are offered any of the equipment or have any information about the raid can contact Newhaven Police Station on 0845 6070999.