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School hit with £20,000 bill after break-in
A SCHOOL has been hit with a £20,000 bill after burglars broke in and stole more than 20 computers and two white boards.
Staff at Castlefield School in High Wycombe discovered the equipment was missing while opening up the building this morning.
The break-in, which is believed to have happened at around 2am, is the third time the school in The Middleway has been targeted in just two weeks.
Over the May Day bank holiday its front door was bashed in and this weekend small boulders, which had been thrown at the building, were found in the carpark.
During the latest attack a large window was completely smashed and thieves wrenched two interactive whiteboards from classroom walls, leaving cabling dangling from the plasterwork.
Twenty-four laptops and other smaller pieces of equipment, such as calculators, were also taken in the raid.
Lessons went on as normal today but one of the classrooms had to remain shut while it was tidied up and made safe for pupils. It is expected to be re-opened by tomorrow.
Matthew Flannigan, headteacher at the school since September, described the attack as "mindless" and said he was considering tightening security by installing CCTV cameras around the building.
"We've got to take into account how much money we have but it may well be something we look into," he added.
Year six students at the school are preparing for their SATS exams this week, but Mr Flannigan said their studies would not be effected by the damaged classrooms.
He added: "The laptops weren't being used for the SATS so it hasn't had an impact on that. We managed to get one of the classrooms up and running, but one is out of action.
"You could get disheartened but you have got to keep the place safe and positive. We have got enough challenges without letting things like this get to you, you just keep going.
"It's not going to put us off in anyway."
Police are now investigating the break-in. Anyone with information should call 08458 505 505 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
5:21pm Tuesday 13th May 2008
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CommentPosted by: happy blue, bucks on 5:38pm Tue 13 May 08
Obviously mindless idiots who din't bother to be educated while at school and now hell bent on spoiling it for the present children attending. Hope they get caught and get what they deserve !!
Obviously mindless idiots who din't bother to be educated while at school and now hell bent on spoiling it for the present children attending. Hope they get caught and get what they deserve !!
Posted by: njk on 5:39pm Tue 13 May 08
"Year nine students at the school are preparing for their SATS exams this week"
Are you sure there are Year 9 students at this school? Do you mean Yr 6??
"Year nine students at the school are preparing for their SATS exams this week"
Are you sure there are Year 9 students at this school? Do you mean Yr 6??
Posted by: Sarah, Wycombe on 5:53pm Tue 13 May 08
This is such a fabulous school with such a great ethos and 'spirit' about it.
I hope whoever nicked stuff from them feels thoroughly ashamed.
All the very best to Castlefield School. Don't be disheartened! Everyone who knows that school properly thinks the staff and students are fabulous!
This is such a fabulous school with such a great ethos and 'spirit' about it.
I hope whoever nicked stuff from them feels thoroughly ashamed.
All the very best to Castlefield School. Don't be disheartened! Everyone who knows that school properly thinks the staff and students are fabulous!
Posted by: SBJones, Wycombe on 7:02pm Tue 13 May 08
its a better school than it used to be shame its in such a scabby area
its a better school than it used to be shame its in such a scabby area
Posted by: Mike Smith, Bourne End on 9:25am Wed 14 May 08
[quote]Year nine students at the school are preparing for their SATS exams this week, but Mr Flannigan said these would not be effected by the damaged classrooms.[/quote]
Looks like someone didn't reach Key Stage 3 themselves - lacking in basic spelling and general knowledge.
A shameful crime, however.
Year nine students at the school are preparing for their SATS exams this week, but Mr Flannigan said these would not be effected by the damaged classrooms.
Looks like someone didn't reach Key Stage 3 themselves - lacking in basic spelling and general knowledge.
A shameful crime, however.
Posted by: Steve, Totteridge Hill on 10:12am Wed 14 May 08
[quote]"Lessons went on as normal today" ..."Twenty-four laptops and other smaller pieces of equipment, such as calculators, were also taken"[/quote] How are lessons going on as normal? Don't these items get used everyday?
"Lessons went on as normal today" ..."Twenty-four laptops and other smaller pieces of equipment, such as calculators, were also taken"
How are lessons going on as normal? Don't these items get used everyday?
Posted by: Merge in Turn on 12:22pm Wed 14 May 08
Guess someone went to the very back of the store room to find some of those old fashioned pens and paper.
Guess someone went to the very back of the store room to find some of those old fashioned pens and paper.
Posted by: FH, Amersham on 1:14pm Wed 14 May 08
Yes, it's awful but in what way is "School hit with £20,000 bill" aren't they insured? And if not why not???>
Yes, it's awful but in what way is "School hit with £20,000 bill" aren't they insured? And if not why not???>
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