AUSTRALIA COMPUTERS STOLEN http://www.examiner.com.au/news/local/news/crime-and-law/launceston-school-computer-theft/2487270.aspx




Launceston school computer theft
CALLA WAHLQUIST
14 Mar, 2012 08:02 AM

Picture: PAUL SCAMBLER



AN INVERMAY school will review its security protocols after burglars stole 27 laptops off classroom shelves last weekend.

St Finn Barr's principal Antony Healey said the break-in was discovered on Monday afternoon by a pupil and his father, who had come to the Invermay Road campus to play with their remote controlled cars.

The thieves attempted to gain access to several other classrooms before they broke the reinforced glass on the doors to two rooms and stole the version 7.1 Apple Macbooks stored within.

Mr Healey said the Macbooks were worth about $1000.

He said the school expanded its computer use to this year and the theft disrupted the planned curriculum for the two classes.

``Six weeks into term we have lost 27 laptops,'' he said.

Detective Constable Jason Bolton said it was the largest theft of computers in Launceston for some time and said the computers were unlikely to go unnoticed on the black market.

``Police would also like to speak to any members of the public who are offered cheap Apple laptop computers,'' Detective Constable Bolton said.

He said anyone who bought such a laptop could be charged with receiving stolen property.

Detective Constable Bolton said laptops were ``very easily disposed of'' and often targeted by thieves.

``Certainly over school holidays and public holidays, it's a good idea for schools to lock valuables away,'' he said.

Mr Healey said the pupils, while disappointed, were not overly affected.

``There was broken glass and we have lost computers but there was no damage to the classrooms or the children's possessions,'' Mr Healey said.

Police investigations are continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.