UK THIEVES STEAL COMPUTERS FROM SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF CEN : News : Thieves make off with computers from school:
Thieves make off with computers from school

HEARTLESS burglars broke into a school and stole thousands of pounds worth of computers used by deaf children.

The sickening raid at Mayfield Primary School, which has only just recovered from a devastating fire, left teachers and pupils in shock on the last day of term.

The school caretaker was alerted when the burglar alarm went off at 8.30pm on Monday night.

He called police but the culprits escaped with a haul of six computers from a hearing support unit and 16 laptops from a trolley in the school.

It is not clear how the intruders got into the school and detectives are investigating the possibility the burglary may be linked to break-ins earlier this month at Homerton College and Long Road College.

Headteacher Jaspaul Hill said: 'We are all extremely upset and it was a horrible way to end the term as it should have been a day of celebration in the school.

'There is special software on the computers for our special needs pupils to use and it is wrong their learning should be hindered by the selfish actions of burglars who stoop so low as to target a school.

"We have only been in our new school building for a matter of weeks and we are trying to get back on our feet after the fire and this burglary is yet another setback for the school to face."

The school burned to the ground in a ferocious fire two years ago. More than 100 firefighters battled the blaze which tore through the school in September 2004 and caused £1 million of damage.

Ever-generous News readers swung into action when we appealed for help to provide computers, books, toys and learning resources for the stricken school in Warwick Road and a fundraising music night raised £5,000 to help the school.

Just last month 380 excited schoolchildren were exploring their new school and learning in brand-new classrooms.

Mrs Hill said: "We have always been extremely lucky to have the unwavering support of our parents and the community and we will bounce back but it is just a shame to think the children's education will be disrupted by this theft."

The laptops are security marked and police are urging anyone who is offered cheap computers to contact them on 0845 4564564 or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.