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Thieves break into school and steal pupils' computers
Victims of crime aged just 7 and 8

CHILDREN had a sad lesson on the unpleasant side of life this week after thieves broke into their school and stole com-puters worth thousands of pounds.

Thieves smashed their way through a downstairs window at Oakham CE School in Burley Road on Tuesday night and stole 20 laptops from a locked computer trolley in the corridor.

Headteacher Joan Gibson said: 'It upset all the children in the school. It is very unsettling for them to think anybody would come in and steal their things.'

The laptops were used by Year 3 and 4 pupils and were packed with coursework the children had been working on since September.

Luckily the work had been backed up, but the cost of replacing the computers and paying for repairs to the damage will cost £18,000.

The computers were bought about 18 months ago and were partly funded by the school and partly by the PTA. Each one has large Oakham CE School security stickers on them.

Police said the burglary occurred between 6pm on Tuesday and 7am the following morning.

Forensic experts took fingerprints and collected evidence from the school before pupils went into the classroom on Wednesday morning.

Despite their shock and disappointment staff and children pulled together to ensure a normal working day.

Mrs Gibson said: "The school's premises officer Richard Lambert was called to the building in the early hours and we had to wait for police to pick up all the evidence before the children could use the classroom.

"It is very disappointing for children to learn that people have such low moral standards."

The school has an alarm system and CCTV cameras and police are now checking through any footage.

The school is insured through Rutland County Council but is awaiting the outcome of the insurance claim.

Anyone with any information should contact Oakham police on 0116 222 2222.

23 February 2007