A SPATE of vandalism and thefts at Tavistock College has cost thousands of pounds. In the last few months, 38 windows have been smashed, a number of skylights damaged and money and a camcorder stolen from a drama classroom. Now police are appealing for information after a burglary which took place overnight on March 9 where various items, including a laptop computer, were stolen. The college?s facilities manager Tony Gilbert said security had been stepped up at the college through increased police and staff presence and a private security firm had been employed to cover a range of different times on site. Last week saw break-ins occur on two separate nights. Firstly, on Monday, March 7, intruders forced windows and set off alarms in two areas of the college, although nothing was taken. Then, on Wednesday, March 9 a police patrol team discovered the burglary had taken place and called the force helicopter and dog handling team to the site. Three different areas were broken into ? the Geography area, a kitchen store and an RE room ? and various items stolen, including a pager and laptop computer worth around £1,000. Mr Gilbert said the problem had cost the college several thousand pounds. ?We have to find the resources for this in college; we don?t get any extra funds for this. ?There have been occasions before when windows have gone and things have been taken but we?ve never had anything like this.? Acting principal Chris Powell said: ?It is incredibly sad that a small group of people should behave in such a ridiculous manner. ?Clearly, they have got some sort of grudge against the college, but what they are actually doing is wasting public money. ?It is in everyone?s interest that this is stopped and we can hopefully find out who the culprits are and deal with them appropriately.? Police ask people to be aware of anyone trying to sell them a laptop. The stolen Viglan Dossier laptop has these three numbers on it: NC27TO2H05048/VPC00370/1639300. Police also remind parents that students are not allowed on the school premises once it has closed. The incidents normally take place at night or at weekends. Anyone with information should call Tavistock Police on 08705 777444 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 where information given will be treated in strictest confidence. You may receive a payment if your information leads to a conviction. The crime reference number for the latest incident is JT/05/310.
