Police chief slams school thieves

Inspector David Anderson was speaking after raids at Ballymoney High School and Lislagan Primary School.

At Ballymoney High School some time between 4pm on April 18 and 9am on April 19 doors were forced at two temporary classrooms and two overhead projectors - one a Hitachi and one a Sanyo each worth £350 - were stolen.

Inspector Anderson told the Ballymoney Times: “That is equipment which was for the benefit of pupils’ education and will have to be replaced by the school. We would like to hear from anyone who can assist in recovering the property and in identifying those responsible.”

Police also received a report of a theft from Lislagan Primary School near Ballymoney. Some time over the Easter holidays five protective playmats worth £150 were stolen from an outdoor play area.

Said Inspector Anderson: “Again, that was to the detriment of the children at the school.”

Police are also investigating two house break-ins.

Some time between 6.30am and 3pm on Tuesday April 17 a house at Craigatempin Road in the Kilraughts area was burgled and a Hewlett Packard laptop and a small amount of cash were taken.

Also on April 17 between 7.45am and 5.30pm a house at Killagan Road near Glarryford had a door forced but nothing was stolen.

Police are keeping an open mind but have not ruled out that the two house burglaries, although some distance apart, could be connected as they happened on the same day.

Police want to hear from anyone who may have seen suspicious activity or vehicles in the areas of all the incidents or if any of the stolen equipment comes to notice.

The PSNI can be contacted on 08456008000 or phone the Crimestoppers number on 0800555111.