Hung out to dry

In a bizarre theft, reminiscent of an episode of the TV programme 'The Brittas Empire', a parent was left to wait for a lift, in just his trunks, after his locker was emptied by Leisure Centre raiders.

The thieves took all of his clothing, including underwear, his car and house keys, wallet, credit cards and mobile phone.

The father of two is now campaigning against the council-owned swimming pool after he was told that they were not insured to cover his loss because there was a warning notice advising people not to leave possessions in the lockers provided.

Paul Walton, told the Reading Evening Post: "Hopefully people will go away from the pool and think about what I've said.

"Single parents use the pool and if their child is younger than eight they have to get in the water with them, so they have to use the lockers."

Council spokesman, Chris Branagan, responded: "We are very sympathetic to Mr Walton's loss but regret to say that the council's insurance does not cover the theft of personal valuables by an unknown third party. The council's insurance will only apply where Reading Borough Council itself has been negligent."

Homeowners should find that their home contents insurance will include an 'away from home' clause, although it may be subject to an excess, which would also cover changing the home's locks after having keys stolen.

31/01/2008 15:03:50