BURGLARS targeted a Manchester school four times in just over a week, leaving young pupils devastated at the loss of valuable classroom equipment.

Now police and the headteacher are appealing for information to track down the thieves - responsible for taking three projectors worth nearly £1,000 each and a computer printer.

The thieves struck at Christ the King Roman Catholic primary and nursery school in Culcheth Lane, Newton Heath.

Each time, they scaled security fencing, then forced windows to gain access to the classrooms when no-one was around late at night.

Headteacher Patrick Devlin said the school could not afford to lose the teaching aids. He added: "Whoever has done this has deprived local children of a wonderful learning resource.

"Now, because we are frightened of this happening again, the remaining projectors are locked away.

"The projectors are great for the children, because they are interactive.

"The governors of the school saved up to invest in a projector for every classroom.

"Although we are insured, we have to pay the first £200 for each of the burglaries and no doubt our insurance premium will go up next year as a result."

Police are now appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the thefts to come forward. Pc Andy Costello said: "It is sad that this school has been targeted by burglars.

"The pieces of equipment stolen are vital tools used by the school for teaching the pupils.

"Not only has the actions of the offender impacted upon the pupils' education, but they have also cost the school a lot of money, which could have been spent on more facilities and equipment for the pupils.

"I would ask anyone who has been offered some of this equipment for sale, or who has further information, to call us."

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 3728 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.


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