It has been confirmed to 4BR that at least two formal enquiries have been made to Police to look into allegations of possible illegal activity that may have taken place in respect to potentially missing items of hardware, software, data, registrations cards, correspondence and payment cheques from the British Brass Band Registry in Barnsley.

Greater Manchester and South Yorkshire

4BR understands that the enquiries have been made through Greater Manchester Police and South Yorkshire Police following details being released at the recent Open Forum meeting held in Barnsley.

Missing

At that meeting it was reported in the presentation of the British Brass Band Registry Update that, "The new team has had to overcome significant challenges as a result of well documented troubles of July & August 2012 including missing computer software, hardware, data, band registration cards, correspondence and payment cheques."

In his opening statement to the meeting Chairman Robert Morgan MBE reported, "Since the problems at the BBBR had arisen, the previous Registry Line Manager had refused to cooperate with BFBB officers and trustees. Time sheets, Registry financial return details and band cheques that required banking ceased to be forwarded to BFBB officers.

Removed

The statement continued: "An email was sent out to all bands registered on the BBBR mailing list reporting false and misleading information about the BFBB and the BBBR. This caused confusion amongst bands and contest organisers.

When the issuing of anti BFBB propaganda via the BBBR mailing list failed to bring about a change in Registry policy, the Registry was then entered by a person or persons unknown and items were removed, therefore bringing the Registry service to a temporary halt.

A locksmith was called and locks immediately changed to ensure this could not happen again. Attempts to meet with the Registry line manager to resolve these issues were rejected. BFBB staff set about to restore the BBBR to working order."

4BR contacted Greater Manchester Police, who confirmed that a formal enquiry had been made and that they would take appropriate action on the information received4BR

Information received

4BR contacted Greater Manchester Police, who confirmed that a formal enquiry had been made and that they would take appropriate action on the information received. It is also understood that a second, separate request had been made to South Yorkshire Police.