Heartless criminals have stolen thousands of pounds worth of computers from a Glenrothes school just weeks after its community garden was trashed.
Two hooded men broke into Pitcoudie Primary School at around 7am on Sunday morning, taking nine laptops with an estimated value of more than £8,000.
Police have launched an urgent investigation into the raid, but Carol Storrs, headteacher at the school, said that this latest act had unsettled her students.
“The laptops were in an area that we call our computing suite,” she said.
“We use them for various things and at lunchtimes we run a computing club as well.
“The pupils are quite upset about it (but) the support that we’ve had from the local community has been really good and we’ve also had a lot of help from parents.”
The thieves are thought to have entered the school building via a fire door before making their way to the school’s computer suite.
Seven pupil computers and a two staff laptops, for use in conjunction with smartboards, were stolen, with police having launched an investigation in an effort to trace the criminals.
The suspects are described only as wearing dark clothing and hooded tops with the hoods up and were last seen making off towards Huntsmans Road.
This latest blow comes after the school’s community garden was destroyed, with planters and two benches, including a memorial to pupil Logan Carrie, who was killed crossing the A92 last year, destroyed.
A 13-year-old boy has since been charged and referred to the Children’s Reporter.
Speaking about this latest incident, Sergeant Paul Thomson from Glenrothes Police Station said: “Pitcoudie Primary School was recently subject to vandalism and so it is extremely disheartening for the staff and pupils that the building has been targeted once again, resulting in several thousands of pounds worth of laptops being stolen.
“I would ask anyone who remembers seeing any suspicious activity around the school on Sunday morning to contact police immediately.
“In addition, anyone with any further information that can help us trace those responsible should also get in touch.”
Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or alternatively, the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
jowatson@thecourier.co.uk.
