£60,000 worth of computers have been stolen from Pendle schools over the summer holidays. The thieves have struck at Fisher-More Catholic Humanities College, Primet High School and Park High School over the course of six-weeks.
Fisher-More was struck four times by thieves over the course of holidays. The first two thefts occurred at the end of July when computer equipment valued at almost £8,500 was taken. Then again, the thieves returned on August 25th and 26th, this time taking two computers and a compact computer monitor, together valued at nearly £2,000.
Laptops valued at £2,500 were stolen from Park High School in the early hours of August 26th. The worst affected is Primet High School where £40,000 worth of equipment have been stolen. Thieves raided the school’s IT suite at the weekend, taking computers, two-way radios and other resources.
Initial investigation form the police suggests that the thieves broke into Fisher-More and Park through the windows but entered Primet through the roof. PC Mark Blackey, of Colne Police, said: “We cannot say for certain, but we think it is the same thieves going around high schools in the area. In view of this, we are asking schools to be particularly vigilant.”
Fisher-More headteacher Mr Chris Bohills said: “Governors and staff were very disappointed after the summer break to find vandals had thrown stones through six large windows and thieves had also broken into school, stealing 12 computers which also created a great deal of mess. This had to be attended to as a matter of urgency for the students’ return and has cost the school considerably, a cost which would have been better used for the academic interests of our pupils. However this will not dampen our spirits after the best ever GCSE results at the school this summer and staff and students are looking forward to working in the new classrooms and administration block at the front of the building.”
Headteacher of Primet High School Janet Walsh said: “This is a particularly cruel crime targeting children and their learning opportunities. Education is already poorly funded, so to take such treasured equipment is appalling. Luckily we can still teach without the equipment, but teachers will need to re-plan their lessons and we will have to resort to old methods of teaching for a while.”
Dr Paul Parkin, headteacher at Park High School, said: “During the summer holidays the school has spent a considerable amount of money updating and extending facilities for pupils. It is disappointing that theft and vandalism of this nature has happened. The costs of replacing damaged or stolen items and increased levels of security limit the funding available for our pupils. However we will not let this affect the start to the new academic year. We remain committed to improving the quality of facilities in school.”
PC Blackey said: “We are appealing to any local residents who saw anyone in the area of the schools acting suspiciously at these times to contact us anonymously on 472441 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.”
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