UK COMPUTERS STOLEN http://www.thisiscornwall.co.uk/Thieves-steal-high-tech-school-equipment/story-16377141-detail/story.html

Thieves steal high-tech school computer equipment

Friday, June 15, 2012

Cornish Guardian

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WADEBRIDGE School has lost thousands of pounds' worth of computers after thieves struck twice within a week.

The latest burglary to the computer suite was overnight Tuesday-Wednesday when an estimated £15,000 worth of high tech equipment was stolen.

Thieves scaled the school building and smashed the window to the first floor computer room to gain entry.

They stole 27 computers and six monitors in a raid which police believe needed at least one of the gang to have knowledge of what the room contained.

Chair of school governors, Stuart Robertson said it was a shock for the school to be burgled twice in a week, and the priority was to replace the computers as soon as possible so that the education of students would not be affected.

PCSO Phil Chanter from Wadebridge police station said one of the gang must have had local knowledge of the computer room and they were linking the latest raid to the one last week when two computers were stolen.

"The school was broken into sometime between 9pm on Tuesday night and 7am the following morning. We think at least three people were involved and must have used a van to take the computers away.

"We are currently studying CCTC images, and would appeal to anyone who saw anything suspicious, or is offered one of the stolen computers to contact us.''

Items stolen were 21 HP Elite 8200 computers, six HP desktop computers and six 19-inch HP monitors.

Mr Robertson said the priority was to get the school re-stocked with new computers.

"We will obviously be reviewing our security, and replacing the computers as a matter of urgency.

"It's a blow, and to have two burglaries in a week is frightening.

"But I don't think any of the students' work has been lost because of the thefts as everything that is on those computers is also on a network. But the computers will be replaced as soon as possible.''

Anyone with information should contact the police on 101 quoting crime reference BW12/424. Or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.