School hit by new raid

Raiders have targeted a Lichfield high school for the third time in less than two weeks as a spate of school break-ins continues across the city.

The culprits attempted to break into Nether Stowe High School, on St Chad's Road, on Wednesday evening. Fortunately they failed to get into the premises and left the scene empty-handed.

It is the third time the high school has been affected.

Burglars smashed a window and searched part of the school on January 20 - although nothing was taken - and they struck again last weekend, stealing a laptop.

This is the latest in a string of raids on schools across the city since the start of this year, bringing the total number of incidents up to eight.

Police have now also revealed further details of a break-in at The Friary High School, on Eastern Avenue, on Tuesday.

Burglars climbed on to the roof of the school before smashing their way in and snatching nine laptops, worth £7,500.

Peter Stevens, spokesman for Staffordshire Police, said all nine laptops had the school's name, and postcode of WS13 7EW, written on the top of each one in non-removable pen.

All were models RM Mobile IONE and had 15in screens. They were all black and grey and had CD and DVD drives.

And just a week before Tuesday's raid the school had two computers stolen in a previous burglary.

"There was an attempted burglary at Nether Stowe High School in the early evening of Wednesday," said Mr Stevens. "Fortunately they didn't get in or steal anything.

"We have had eight incidents now. Schools are large premises, with lots of accesses, and can be vulnerable. But they are pretty good at making security arrangements," he added.

By Faye Casey