$30,000 Theft Sounds Alarm At Schools
Illawarra Mercury
Wednesday April 3, 2002
Illawarra schools have been urged to increase security measures after $30,000 worth of computer equipment was stolen from Lake Heights Public School.
Warilla Police Acting Inspector Bryan Rugg said 15 computers were stolen in the well-organised Lake Heights robbery.
``The robbery was different to all the others," he said.
``Most school robberies are generally petty, with only one computer or loose change taken from a teachers' staff room." The Lake Heights thieves smashed a window and ripped the computers - which were bolted to the tables - from their sockets.
Last week's theft followed break-ins at three Berkeley schools earlier this month.
Insp Rugg said police had stepped up patrols of the Berkeley area and had targeted a list of suspects.
He said schools should be aware of their security responsibilities.
`` ... schools will improve the children's safety and protect their property by ensuring security is up to scratch."
Koonawarra Public School and Oak Flats High School are two schools which have reduced robbery figures by erecting 1.83m security fences around their grounds.
Koonawarra principal Robyn Cupitt said in 12 months the fence had reduced break and enters by 90 per cent.
``The fence was put up to create definite school boundaries. As a consequence it has significantly cut down traffic through the school grounds," she said.
© 2002 Illawarra Mercury