The Cave Rescue Organisation have tonight issued the statement below and ask that this information be circulated and shared as widely as possible to cavers and climbers:

“PLEASE WATCH OUT FOR STOLEN KRABS

Next week, the Dales area hosts the 5th European Speleological Congress at the Dalesbridge Centre, near Austwick. Thirty pot-hole systems are rigged for the enjoyment of the 1000 participants. Last week, in preparation, CRO members fixed the ropes for a high-level traverse above the streamway in Kingsdale Master Cave, to allow emergency egress, in case of flood or team access in case of rescue.

At the weekend, someone removed 56 (fifty six) karabiners of mixed types, as shown in the photograph. Left to right they are Petzl Am’D, Faders Goliat and Faders HMS. The majority were Faders HMS — the one with the distinctive pull and twist lock on the screw-gate sleeve, which makes using them with a single hand a bit awkward. All three types had yellow paint on their screw-gate sleeves, although the thief may be able to remove this.

Any climber or caver who is offered karabiners of these types at a knock-down price, should please identify the thief to North Yorkshire Police, by phoning 101, selecting North Yorkshire and quoting Crime Reference 12160143685.

Also taken were two red and silver Meander Transport tackle bags, stencilled ‘CRO’ and labelled ‘KMC 1’ and ‘KMC 2’, although the labels may have been removed.

Please circulate this to climbers and cavers in the North of England. Thank you.

(Lyon Equipment and Heightec have kindly offered replacement karabiners and maillons.)”