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Heartless thieves steal kit from east London community radio station

Thieves took off with more than £1,000 worth of equipment: Reel Rebels Radio Station
Thieves took off with more than £1,000 worth of equipment: Reel Rebels Radio Station

An east London radio station which helps people with learning difficulties was targeted by heartless thieves who stole more than £1,000 worth of equipment.

Reel Rebels Radio Station, in Stoke Newington, launched a fundraising appeal after the burglary forced it off air last week.

Vital broadcasting equipment including a 12 channel Yamaha mixer was stolen, while the petty cash tin was also emptied.

The station, founded in 2010, helps people with learning disabilities and mental health challenges to learn new skills such as DJing and radio production.

DJ Connor, who has autism, turned up at the studio to find he could not do his regular show (Reel Rebels Radio Station)
DJ Connor, who has autism, turned up at the studio to find he could not do his regular show (Reel Rebels Radio Station)

One of the founders, Alicia Graham, told the Standard: “I felt very disappointed as this is a community station.

“Somebody obviously doesn’t understand that they have not just taken equipment but they have impacted lots of people.

The community rallied round to save the station (Reel Rebels Radio Station)
The community rallied round to save the station (Reel Rebels Radio Station)

“One of our DJs called Connor, who has autism, came in to do his regular show the day after the burglary but couldn’t because of the stolen equipment.”

Donations have poured in to a Gofundme page to rescue the station and in just nine days the target of £1,000 was surpassed.

“It’s been amazing that in nine days we have managed to reach our target,” added Ms Graham.

Justin, one of the station's DJs with autism, in the studio (Reel Rebels Radio Station)
Justin, one of the station's DJs with autism, in the studio (Reel Rebels Radio Station)

“It’s put it into perspective that the world is full of good people. It just shows you that people do care.”

Hackney mayor Phil Glanville was among the people to lend their support to the station.

“This is terrible news. Appeared on @ReelRebelsRadio last year,” he wrote on Twitter.

“It’s a great grassroots broadcaster that gives voice to Hackney’s diversity and voices that often don’t get heard.”