UK COMPUTERS STOLEN FROM SCHOOL Harlow Herald - Sneaky thieves take computers:

Sneaky thieves take computers
25 January 2007

THIEVES deactivated alarm sensors during a school's open evening and later stole and damaged thousands of pounds worth of computer equipment.

Police are now looking into those who attended the work experience seminar at Birchwood High School in Parsonage Lane, Bishop's Stortford, last Wednesday.

During the event sensors in two computer rooms were covered with paper - deactivating the alarm.

After everyone had gone home, thieves broke into the school through a window thought to be sometime between 9.30pm that evening and 8am on Thursday.

They only entered one of the computer rooms despite disabling alarms in two computer suites.

They stole 19 computers worth £12,225 and caused £5800 worth of damage to nine other computers.

Insp Andy Piper said the offenders had left some computers outside after not being able to fill their vehicle with them all.

Some computers were also damaged when they were dropped by the thieves.

Insp Piper said there were 200 people in the school during the event.

He said: "We are looking into who was there."

The thieves also caused £600 damage to the desks the computers were on.

PC Matthew Dale, who is investigating the incident, said: "These computers are quite distinctive and are only sold for educational purposes.

"I am appealing for anyone who saw any suspicious activity around the school at the time of the offence to come forward.

"I am also interested to hear from anyone who may have been offered a computer like the ones taken for sale."

Police officers are linking the break-in with an attempted burglary at Northgate School in Cricketfield Lane on Monday. The offenders broke into the school at 6.30pm but made off without stealing anything when the alarms went off. They caused £500 damage.

Headteacher Chris Ingate said the computers are insured and he was relieved no-one had been hurt. He didn't want to comment further while the police investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Eastern Area Crime Desk on 01992 533002 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.