THIEVES have wrecked the start of a the new term for youngsters at a Suffolk primary school by stealing 15 laptop computers estimated to have a value of up to �9,000.

It has prompted the headteacher to hit out at the raiders and call for anyone with information about the raid, or offered one of the laptops, to contact police.

The break-in at Rougham Primary, which happened some time between Friday, December 21, and Wednesday this week, was discovered by the school caretaker/cleaner.

Three panels on two Victorian windows of the building in Church Road had been broken to enable the thieves to get in and they had targeted a secure cabinet housing the Dell laptops, thought to be worth up to �600 each.

Karen Rees, joint head of Rougham and Woolpit primary schools, said the 140 young pupils would be badly affected by the theft.

“The laptops are in use every day and all the programmes were on them and it’s very frustrating. It’s a disruption to the children’s education.

“These people [thieves] are prepared to be destructive and it’s very sad. We have to pick up the pieces and make the best of it as soon as possible. It’s frustrating and sad that it’s going to affect the children.”

Police would like to hear from anyone who was in the area and saw any suspicious activity, or from anyone who knows the whereabouts of the laptops or has been offered one.

Call Pc Steph Rose at Bury St Edmunds Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 with information.