UK COMPUTER EQUIPMENT STOLEN DURING BREAK-IN AT SCHOOL Newham Recorder

11 April 2006
A UNIQUE 50-year-old silver mace - the oldest schools debating prize in the world - has been stolen.

The prestigious international award - which would be worth virtually nothing to the thief - was among items stolen during a break-in at St Bonaventure's School, Forest Gate, on March 26 at around 5pm.

The honour was won last year by Year 13 students Lewis Iwu and William Sharp in the 2005 International Schools Mace.

In the largest contest of its type in the world, they triumphed over teams including those from top private schools.

The English-Speaking Union's James Probert said that this year they were hoping to award the mace at the Grand Final at the House of Lords on May 6.

Next year will be the mace's 50th anniversary and the Union is hoping to celebrate by bringing all former winners together.

It was stolen from a cabinet in the school's reception area. Other trophies were stolen too, though four or five dumped in a bin bag yards from the Boleyn Road school were recovered by pupils. A couple are still missing. Computer and office equipment was also taken and an office area trashed.

Head teacher Stephen Foster said: "It's such a shame that after the school did so well to win this trophy that this should happen. We're a very successful school and very proud of being in the East End, but this doesn't reflect well on the area. We just want it returned."

The school site is "invaded" most weekends and the police are aware of it, added Mr Foster.There is extensive CCTV coverage which picked up "lots" of males in the playground on the day of the break-in. Police now have the films