NEW ZEALAND COMPUTERS STOLEN FROM SCHOOLS TOP STORY: IT thieves hit schools - Hawkes Bay Today - 2007-11-20 14:58:00.0 - localnews

TOP STORY: IT thieves hit schools

20.11.2007

KELLY BURNS THIEVES with an eye for electronics are targeting schools with more than $20,000 of valuables stolen in the past month. Laptops, digital cameras, projectors, desk-top computers and even food from the tuck-shop have been stolen. One school had the metal lettering of its name stolen from the entrance. Schools in Hastings, Flaxmere and Central Hawke's Bay have fallen victim to the burglars - many more than once - and are counting the cost. But police say it's the pupils who are losing most as key learning resources are stolen. Hastings law enforcement team analyst Robbie Barrand said 19 schools had been broken into over the past five weeks.

Eleven schools had electronics stolen, while the remaining schools showed signs of a break-in. Police believed the cost of the stolen property was more than $20,000. Waipawa Primary School principal Bev Robinson said the school had about 12 break-ins in the last term. Thieves had stolen electronics and each time left a costly trail of broken windows and doors. Mrs Robinson said as the insurance excess had risen to $1000 replacing the property came out of the operational grant. "It's been depressing and a huge load of paperwork, and the school just can't afford it." "We're at the point now where we can't replace anything, we can't afford it." "We would like them [thieves] to know they are taking away from the poorer children in the community and we are not going to let it happen - we are out to get them." Last Monday, Ebbett Park Primary School in Hastings was burgled and a laptop, a television, two computers and five radio cassette players were taken. Principal John Stevenson said it was the fifth burglary this year and alarms were being installed. While insurance would cover the burglary, the property would not be able to be replaced until next year. "It's extremely frustrating. We're trying to teach the children ICT, and the next thing our computers are being stolen." "The children are really brassed off by it all." Mr Barrand said schools should lock away valuables and install alarms. Police appealed to neighbours to keep an eye on schools and the public to be aware of anybody trying to sell the property. No arrests had been made and anyone with information on the burglaries can contact the confidential crimeline on 0800 567789.