Nicked... £123,000 worth of goods from police stations

More than £123,000 worth of cash, weapons and equipment has been stolen from London police stations over the last three years, figures show today.

Uniforms, CS gas sprays, bicycles, radios, televisions and laptops were among the items taken in the 473 recorded thefts, according to data released under the Freedom of Information Act.

Most of the goods, which amount to £123,067 in total, were stolen from local stations but thieves also struck at the high- security Paddington Green, where suspected terrorists are held.

Richard Barnes, Conservative member on the Metropolitan Police Authority, said: "I find it remarkable that police stations have such lax security. It's quite extraordinary that someone can steal television equipment." The Met was unable to comment.