School strives to thwart burglars

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Ross Intermediate teachers could start staying overnight at the Palmerston North school after thousands of dollars worth of electronic gear was stolen in a string of burglaries.

Thieves stole four plasma televisions from four classrooms early yesterday.

A total of 14 televisions, worth between $900 and $1000 each, have been stolen in four burglaries at the school this year.

Computers and digital cameras were also targeted in those burglaries, and two others during the holiday period.

School administrator Erica Jones said security was being ramped up but some unique methods were also being discussed.

"We had one of our workshop teachers say they would start sleeping at the school," she said.

"The kids are frustrated. We have one classroom that was broken into where the kids put notes to the burglars on the wall."

Ms Jones said similar methods had been used to break into all of the classrooms, leading staff to believe the crimes were linked.

"They've basically just completely destroyed the door and ripped them off the wall."

Classroom doors were being strengthened and perimeter fencing increased to stop the spate of burglaries, she said.

Police officers went to the school yesterday and are still investigating the break-in.

Senior Sergeant Phil Skoglund said the number of school break-ins in Palmerston North was alarming.

"Police are clearly concerned about the targeting of schools, which is something that has been ongoing of late."

Police had been meeting with school principals to talk about the issue and were patrolling targeted schools, he said.

Many schools were now securing expensive electronic equipment with chains and padlocks or putting it out of sight outside of school hours.

"I think it's very disappointing that schools are having to do that to ensure that their property isn't stolen."

Mr Skoglund appealed to the public to keep watch over city schools.

"There is a responsibility for the community to safeguard the property that is being used to advance our youth."

Anyone with information about the burglaries can contact Palmerston North police on 06-351 3600 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

- © Fairfax NZ News