UK COMPUTERS STOLEN http://www.thisissomerset.co.uk/news/Heartless-burglars-steal-children/article-3147790-detail/article.html

Burglars target Somerset children after raids on four schools in one night

Thieves who stole computers and other equipment from FOUR schools on the same night have been branded "thoughtless" and accused of "stealing from children" by angry staff.

Norton Hill, Somervale, Writhlington and Westfield Primary School were all targeted by thieves in the early hours of last Friday.

Sergeant Geoff Cannon of Radstock police said he believed the same people may be responsible for all the crimes and has appealed to anyone with information or who has been offered what they think may be stolen equipment to call the police.

At Writhlington a number of computers were stolen after a brick was thrown through a downstairs window in the business and enterprise centre.

Deputy head Will Roberts described the thieves as "thoughtless and selfish".

He said: "A theft like this deprives the school of resources used for learning; as such, thefts from schools strike me as particularly thoughtless."

The parent and teacher association at Westfield Primary School is still counting the cost of the theft and fears it may have an impact on future fundraising. Two outdoor huts were broken into, one with equipment used by the caretaker and one used by the PTA to store confectionery and other items they sell to raise money for school funds.

Head teacher Heather Barraclough said: "Thieves have taken away what should have been used to raise money for the children. It is disgraceful and very upsetting.

"Thankfully, Westfield Primary has very supportive parents and we are working together to ensure the theft doesn't hamper our fundraising."

At Somervale, like Writhlington, thieves smashed a window to reach inside the classroom to grab laptops and a projector.

Police are also investigating an attempted break-in at neighbouring Norton Hill.

Sgt Cannon reassured all local schools that increased patrols would be made to try to prevent further thefts and advised that any high-value equipment, particularly laptops and computers which have been the target for recent burglaries, should be locked away in a secure cabinet or room and not left visible from the exterior of the building.

He said: "We are determined to find whoever is responsible for these burglaries and bring them to justice. By targeting schools the offenders have effectively stolen from children."

Sgt Cannon also reminded anyone who is offered stolen equipment for sale that they too could face the courts.

He said: "In many cases goods are stolen from the most vulnerable people in our society.

"The goods are stolen not because they appeal to the thief directly but the thief knows that they can be sold for cash.

"A person who receives stolen goods or assists the thief in any way to dispose of the goods is actively encouraging the thief to steal.

"This is why the penalty for handling stolen goods is greater than that for theft.

"Do not be tempted to buy from dubious sources, no matter how good the bargain appears to be."

Police are also asking residents to be extra vigilant around schools in their area.

Sgt Cannon added: "We are appealing for teachers, pupils and those who live near the schools to be extra vigilant and report any suspicious activity they see immediately."

Anyone with information about the burglaries should call Avon and Somerset police on 0845 456 7000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.