Students, staff and parents at Narooma Public School have been left devastated by one of the worst instances of theft and damage totaling an estimated $10,000 to $15,000.
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Sometime after 5pm on Saturday, unknown persons broke into multiple rooms of the school, including the library, the Year 1 block, a Year 6 room and a teachers’ work room.
Principal Paul Sweeney said in his five years at the school, this was by far the worst damage caused to the school and it had been difficult few days for staff and in particular the younger students.
“The teachers and kids who’ve had their classrooms damaged definitely have a sense of being violated and we’ve had discussions with them about it,” Mr Sweeney said. “The students have a sense of pride about their classrooms, the equipment and their art works.”
Narooma police have investigated, collecting forensic evidence and say entry was gained into the rooms by forcing locks and breaking windows.
Eight Apple computers were stolen, six personal computers destroyed by being thrown on the ground, two smart boards damaged and items from the Father’s Day P&C stall were also stolen.
Staff were yet to fully assess what else may have been taken as the thieves emptied bins and used the bin liners to haul off more gear, he said.
Mr Sweeney said the Education Department was reviewing security measures at the school and he had requested extra patrols by the police.
“The school is a big part of the community and a lot of people in town have a connection to the school, either having gone here themselves or their kids going here,” he said. “We are doing our best to get back to normal and to make sure this not disrupt the education process.”
Police remind all residents it was an offense to be on school grounds after hours without a valid reason.
Anyone with any information about the school break-in and whereabouts of stolen equipment is encouraged to call Narooma police on 4476 2044 or anonymous reports can be made to Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.