Thieves have raided PC component distributor Microtronica UK and made off with £500,000 worth of kit. Trays of Pentium 4 2GHz chips made up most of the haul.

Microtronica, which is part of the Arrow Group, was hit at the weekend. UK MD, Les Billing, said the job was done extremely professionally, but could not comment on whether or not it was an inside job. He added that it will not make an impact on the company's distribution cycles at all, with box CPUs available to cover and replacement stock on its way.

Interestingly, although the blaggers nabbed a few AMD chips as well, the bulk of the goods taken were definitely Intel. Poor old Chimpzilla, it can't even seem to get its chips stolen at the moment.

Billing is prepared to offer a reward for anyone providing information about the robbery, although he has not specified an amount as yet. He is contactable on 01189 633 760 or email. He also plans to make the serial numbers available. ®