Gadget gang uploads computers from schools
Three schools in the upper Highway area have been hit by a gang of criminals.
FOREST View Primary School is just one of a few of the schools in the Highway area to be hit by a gang of criminals stealing electronic equipment.
The gang that devastated Pietermaritzburg schools stealing computers, cell phones and breaking into safes has now moved into the Durban area with many Durban and Upper Highway schools having already been targeted in the last few weeks.
The group of men hit Forest View Primary School on Friday morning at about 12.30am. They cut through the electric fence, which was live at the time, and targeted the computer room and admin block. They smashed through the security gate of the computer room and ripped 31 laptops from their security locks that are attached to the wall. The men gained access to three of the admin offices by breaking through the ceilings. “They were definitely only interested in laptops as none of the desktop PCs were taken. It is just so sad to think that someone would steal from a place of learning, where we are uplifting and empowering the children,” said Jean Montile, public relations officer at Forest View Primary School.
“Schools that have been targeted so far in Durban have included former Model C schools in Pinetown, Durban North and Hillcrest,” said Brian Jackson, Blue Security’s operations manager. “We have had reports of three burglaries over the past three days in these suburbs where the gang broke into the schools and stole computers and in one case the burglars managed to get away with 53 computers,” he said.
Since October last year there have been 16 burglaries and other crimes reported at schools across the city. “We urge school principals and their staff and governing bodies to be on high alert as this gang is likely to strike again soon,” said Jackson.
Private investigator, Rick Crouch, said: “The modus operandi of the Gadget Gang is; they will break in through the roof, when the alarm triggers they will wait for the security company to give the all clear after which they will disable the alarm, telephones and any CCTV. They then proceed to break into computer labs and will use an angle grinder on any safe that is found. Schools should employ additional security guards for the short term, specifically during evenings and over weekends.”
