AUSTRALIA COMPUTERS STOLEN FROM PRIMARY SCHOOLShepparton News Online - McPherson Media GroupSchool left behind the eight-ball after theft

Education tool taken: Katunga South Primary School students Emiel, Michelle, Sanne and Kevin vanden Gor at the school.Picture: Verity Lewis

It's a disappointing feeling that someone does not have respect for our property.~
- Principal Jan Golding

By Lisa Horan

June 14 2004
Shepparton News


More than $4000 of computer equipment was stolen from Katunga South Primary School after an office door was jemmied on Thursday morning.
The school lost two complete computer systems - including monitors (one flat screen), keyboards and hard-drives, a printer and the school's only scanner.

Principal Jan Golding said she hoped police would catch those responsible.

"We are very disappointed that someone broke into our school because we put a lot of effort into the school and we are very proud," Mrs Golding said.

"It's a disappointing feeling that someone does not have respect for our property."

The stolen equipment, which the Education Department will replace, was used every day by the 28 children of the school, who typed school work and accessed the Internet and other desktop programs.

"We were very proud of our computer-student ratio," Mrs Golding said.

"We had 24 computers for 28 students but now have two less. Now students will have to double up. It is an inconvenience."

Mrs Golding said most of the students understood the school had been burgled, with many of them even using their own lunch and recess times to search for footprints.

"We want to bring the children up to be good citizens so this has made them realise there are some people who are not as law-abiding as they should be," Mrs Golding said.

Cobram Criminal Investigation Unit Detective Sergeant Marcus Boyd said the unit was forensically examining evidence found at the scene.

"It is disappointing a school has been the victim of such a theft," Mr Boyd said.

"They provide a community service and it puts them behind the eight-ball."

Anyone with information can phone Cobram CIU on 5871 2866 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.