Daily Express hit by masked computer thieves

Richard Desmond empire targeted

By Linda Harrison • Get more from this author

Posted in Business, 21st August 2001 12:14 GMT

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The Daily Express has been hit by a masked gang who wrecked equipment before stealing a stack of computers.

Seven balaclava-clad men forced their way into the offices of Express Newspapers, in London's Blackfriars Road, on Sunday night.

The group, who police say were aged between 17 and 20-year-old, jumped security barriers, overpowered security guards and smashed through three doors to gain access to a computer room.

They then "caused considerable damage to computers", Scotland Yard said today.

The gang also stole three items of "high value specialist computer equipment". before escaping through a back door. No weapons were seen.

An Express employee told the Evening Standard: "They obviously knew what they were after. It was very well planned and over in a matter of minutes."

Executives at Express Newspapers first believed they had been the victim of sabotage.

Later editions of the Express and the Daily Star are understood to have been affected by the break-in.

The raid is being investigated by Southwark CID. ®