UK COMPUTERS STOLEN http://www.wishawpress.co.uk/wishaw-news/local-wishaw-news/wishaw-news/2012/03/28/32-laptops-stolen-from-overtown-primary-school-76495-30637120/

32 laptops stolen from Overtown Primary School

Mar 28 2012 by Euan McLelland, Wishaw Press

OVER 30 laptops – bought with money raised by pupils and parents – were stolen from Overtown Primary School last Wednesday.

The break-in marks the fifth raid by thieves at schools in the town in the past three months.

Thieves struck between 11pm and 11.20pm on Wednesday night and made off with 32 laptop computers.

The Wishaw Press reported last June on a fundraising event organised by the school to raise cash for the laptops.

The youngsters raised more than £1800 towards the computers, which means their efforts were all in vain.

The burglary comes a fortnight after the latest raid on Calderbridge Primary School in Coltness, Wishaw, where there have been four break-ins during the last few months. The most recent theft was of 16 laptops which cost around £8000.

Isabelle Clarkson, head teacher at Overtown Primary, said: “We are grateful for the hard work and support we receive from our parents. It’s such a shame that the parents worked so hard to raise funds for our ICT equipment only for it to be stolen.

“The children and teachers are devastated as many of them had work stored on the machines and this is now missing. The thieves aren’t just stealing equipment, they are stealing pupils’ work too.

“We strongly appeal for anyone with information to contact the police.”

In a statement released by Strathclyde Police, a spokesperson said: “Between 11pm and 11.20pm on Wednesday, March 21, a break-in occurred at Overtown Primary School, Main Street, Overtown.

“At this time 32 laptops were stolen. Any person with information relating to this crime should contact Wishaw police office on 01698 202600 or alternatively contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”