Cunning thieves target schools

Local high school and primary schools have suffered after the recent onslaught from cunning thieves.

Ferrum High School was burgled on Friday, November 22. The burglars gained access through the roof, bypassing security measures put in place to stop perpetrators from using that route to enter the office building.

“They knew exactly where everything was and how to get past it,” said Marius Cronjè, Vice Principal. “They had all the tools they needed and they were well organised.”

Last Monday morning saw the office in complete disarray. Drawers were emptied on the floor and cupboards were ransacked. The burglars had entered through the roof, right above the power supply for the alarm system.

“They took their time. They searched every corner for anything electronic. Even our external hard disks that had all the computer back-ups were taken, and they were well hidden in different parts of the building,” he said.

The video recording equipment was found stripped and dumped in the pond, effectively destroying any evidence the camera system would have yielded.

The thieves allegedly also had power tools, which they used to cut through the safe’s door. They also removed the door to the walk in safe.

According to Mr Cronjè, 15 computers were taken and approximately R 37 000 in cash was taken from the safe. The other electronics and damages to the building and security system amount to roughly R 300 000.

“With the amount of technology available to crooks these days, cordless grinders and things, I am not surprised,” said Mr Cronjè. “We lost all our data, financial, pupils marks. We have been able to recover most of the data,” he concluded.

Drakensberg Primary School was also a victim of clever thieves doing the rounds in Newcastle.

On Sunday, November 24, the main office of the school was broken into and an undisclosed amount of money was stolen from the safe area.

According to reports, the burglars used crowbars to force open the doors of the office. They then gained access to the roof and disabled the alarm system.

“These people knew exactly what they were doing. They knew what to do to get past the alarm system and the cameras,” speculated school representative, Willie Miller.

The thieves also apparently stole four computers, which the school uses to record the security camera footage.

These were later recovered under a bush in the school yard.The money taken was from the ticket sales from the Christmas play held at the school on Thursday and Friday night the previous week.

Hutten Park Primary also felt the sting of thieves last week. The storeroom was broken into and 2 brush-cutters to the value of R 10 000 each were taken, along with various other gardening equipment with an undisclosed value.

“We have a security guard that patrols the school at night. However, he is more focused on the classrooms and the admin block,” said Llewellyn Gray, Vice Principal. “The doors were forced open and the tools were taken. I feel that the guard may have been a deterrent for the thieves,” he concluded.

Police spokesperson, Captain Shooz Magududlela, said that the cases were being investigated.“A case of burglary was opened on all counts, however, the suspects are still at large,” he said. “At this time it is hard to say if it is the same group of people that are targeting the schools. I must wait solid evidence linking the cases before we can assume that a syndicate is in action,” he concluded.

Residents were urged to double check their security systems before leaving their homes or businesses unattended for long periods.