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Wednesday, January 25, 2006

UK COMPUTERS STOLEN FROM SCHOOL Clitheroe News - Clitheroe Today: News, Sport, Jobs, Property, Cars, Entertainments & More
Head's fury as thieves steal computer items
A HEADTEACHER has slammed the actions of mean thieves who stole thousands of pounds worth of vital equipment from her school.

Mrs Joyce Shaw, head at Read Primary School, was outraged when she discovered raiders had made off with four laptop computers and two Sony digital cameras worth approximately £10,000.
The school relies heavily on the laptop computers, which are linked to the interactive whiteboards.
Now the devastated pupils at the school in Straits Lane are having to take a step back in time and concentrate on lessons using very basic boards.
They have issued a desperate plea to the cruel gang to return their property.
On most evenings of the week, the school is used as a meeting place by a number of local organisations.
But a furious Mrs Shaw said that she will now have to re-think about keeping the doors of the school open in the evenings for external use.The thieves struck between 6-30 and 9-30 p.m. last Thursday, when the school was in use.Police today said that they strongly believed that the offenders responsible are local and are people with knowledge of the premises.Mrs Shaw said the break-in has shocked the staff and pupils.She said: "It is disgraceful. We rely heavily on computer equipment. What makes it a real shame is that it could be local people who are responsible for damaging their community."
The equipment stolen is not cheap and will cost in the region of £8,000 to £10,000 to replace.
"I am angry to see a community service abused in this way and am hurt for the children because it is they who are suffering.
"The children are indignant and are as cross as we are."
A lot of the activities staged at the school are recorded on cameras. Luckily we have not lost all the digital images, however, we are unable to use the cameras."
Mrs Shaw explained that the school will not receive any money from Lancashire County Council and fears that the cost of replacing the items will be difficult.
She added: "We cannot afford to replace valuable equipment."
We are now reviewing our security system and will have to re-think about keeping the doors of the school open in the evenings for external use.
"I am disappointed to find that callous thieves have benefited from the love and care that this school has always offered."
The area's Community Beat Manager, PC Paul Sherratt, is investigating the burglary.
He is appealing for witnesses who may have information regarding the whereabouts of the stolen goods to come forward.
He said: "The offenders responsible are youths from this village.
"It is somebody who had knowledge of the equipment in the building. We are keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed anything suspicious on the night of the theft or has information regarding the whereabouts of the stolen property."
Anyone with information regarding the stolen computers and digital cameras is asked to call PC Sherratt on 01200 443344, the free-and-confidential Crimestoppers line on 0800 555111 or Mrs Shaw at the school.
25 January 2006

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