PUPILS and staff of Helsby Hillside primary school have been left “devastated” after raiders ransacked classrooms and stole equipment on Wednesday.
Ten schools in Cheshire, Ellesmere Port and North Wales have been targeted in a spate of similar burglaries over the past two weeks.
Offenders smashed their way into Helsby Hillside overnight and police were called by staff when they discovered the damage that morning.
Huxley and Eaton primary schools were burgled on the weekend of September 26, followed by primary schools in Clutton, Duddon and Ellesmere Port on the evening of October 2.
Cheshire Police have confirmed that at least four similar burglaries have also been committed in North Wales.
In each case computers, cameras and overhead projectors were stolen.
Cheshire County Council spokesman Ian Callister said the callous crimes had devastated the schools.
He said: “Small rural primary schools are like an extension of home for some children. Seeing their schools broken into can have the same traumatic effect as it would if their own homes had been burgled.”
PC Tony Owens who is investigating the incidents has urged schools to review their security and keep any items that may be attractive to thieves out of sight.
If anyone has any information about any of these incidents contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
