Radio plea after theft
A special radio has been stolen from a hot air balloon which landed in fields near Oswestry. A special radio has been stolen from a hot air balloon which landed in fields near Oswestry. The air band radio was taken as the pilot and passengers deflated the balloon at about 7.30pm on Wednesday, in a field at Pradoe Hall, West Felton. Pilot Russell Collins said used in the wrong hands it could clog up the air waves that had to be kept free for emergencies. Anyone who has spotted the black radio, which looks like a large mobile phone with a rubber aerial, should call West Mercia Police on 08457 444 888.
Aircraft passenger safety could be jeopardised after a special radio was stolen from a hot air balloon which landed in fields near Oswestry.The air band radio was taken as the pilot and passengers deflated the balloon, the pilot said today.
Russell Collins said that used in the wrong hands the radio could clog up the airwaves that had to be kept free for emergencies.
It was taken after Mr Collins, from Solihull, landed in a field at Pradoe Hall, West Felton, at about 7.30pm on Wednesday.
Mr Collins, of Wiltshire-based Go Ballooning, said it had been in the balloon basket. But when he went to get it later, it was gone.
"You need a special licence to use air band radios which you get after successfully completing a course.
"It is illegal for someone else to use it without a licence and, in the wrong hands, it has the potential to be dangerous. Those who aren't trained to use it could press all sorts of buttons to try and make it work and could clog up the air waves which need to be kept free for aircraft pilots in an emergency.
"I can't operate without this vital piece of safety equipment. I have already had to cancel flights and I am having to borrow one until I can get a new one."
Anyone who has seen the black radio, which looks like a large mobile phone with a large rubber aerial, or has any information, should call police on 08457 444 888.
