Schools in Southend were today warned to up their security after a spate of thefts of computer equipment.
Belfairs and Prittlewell high schools have both been hit in the last fortnight, losing hundreds of pounds worth of monitors, keyboards and overhead projectors, which it is thought are being stolen to play computer games on.
It came after thefts at schools in the Rayleigh and Thundersley areas.
Burglars smashed a window at Belfairs school, in Highlands Boulevard, Leigh, got into an office and stole a laptop last week then, just days later, the drama department was broken into and another laptop taken.
Police believe teenagers are responsible for the burglaries and school liaison officers have been reminding headteachers of the need to double check security and ensure windows are closed and locked at night, despite the hot weather.
PC Tim Davis, a school liaison officer based at Southend, said: "Only a couple of schools have been hit so far, but these things normally spread if steps aren't taken."
His advice to schools is to have all equipment marked, as a deterrent as much as a way of identifying recovered stolen goods.
If anyone knows who is responsible for the spate of burglaries or any other crime, they should contact police on 01702 431212.
Published Friday, June 20, 2003
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