A man who was part of a gang of burglars who tried to steal computer equipment worth thousands of pounds from West Suffolk College has been given a suspended prison sentence.

The burglars went to the college in Bury St Edmunds in the early hours of January 19 last year and after getting through the perimeter fence they forced their way into the technical drawing department, Ipswich Crown Court heard.

Fifteen iMac computers were moved but were recovered by police when an alarm was triggered and the burglars ran off, said Richard Potts, prosecuting.

A bag containing croppers, a jemmy, an axe and a hammer were found on a flat roof at the college and a car used by the burglars was found to have cloned number plates.

Before the court was Benjamin Peck who was arrested after his fingerprints were found on bubble wrap on one of the computers, said Mr Potts.

He said the computers had cost in the region of £1,000 each but were three years old and would have depreciated in value.

Mr Potts described the burglary as well planned and organised and said there had been some reconnaissance.

Peck, 36, of London admitted burglary and was given a 16 week prison sentence suspended for 12 months and ordered to take part in a 30 day specified activity programme.

Sentencing him Assistant Judge Advocate General, Emma Peters said that fortunately the college’s security system resulted in the computer equipment being recovered before it was removed from the premises.

Andrew Thompson for Peck said his client had needed money to pay debts arising out of his drug use.