Police appeal after schools targeted by gangs of thieves

There have been five break-ins since the start of last week and officers believe the same group of youths may be responsible.

Yesterday, Mowden Junior School reported an overnight break-in and it appears someone tried to force the door of North Road Primary School on Monday evening.

It follows an incident at Alderman Leach Primary School, over the weekend.

Headteacher Catherine Thompson said: "It is very upsetting for the staff and children when they come in and find everything has been upset.

"It is getting a bit tedious and nothing seems to put these youths off at all.

"It is affecting the whole community."

Darlington Borough Council, the local education authority, said incidents in schools always increased with the darker nights.

It is planning to put more grills on windows to prevent them being broken and put anti-climb paint on drainpipes to stop people getting on to the roof.

Nothing was stolen from Alderman Leach on Sunday evening but two Sony laptop computers were taken from the school's library last Tuesday.

Police stopped a group of youths on November 14 and recovered a hi-fi they had taken from the school.

They were arrested and have been bailed until December 16.

Inspector Billy Hugill, of Darlington police, said: "The disturbing thing is that it usually happens during the school holidays and the problem is that it is starting to escalate. It shows that there is more crime committed during the dark nights.

"It is because they know they can get away with it and they know they won't be moved on."

Insp Hugill said the arrests were made after police were called by a concerned member of the public.

He said: "It affects the staff and the pupils when they commit wanton vandalism.

"We would like to thank the people who have called and urge anyone who sees anything suspicious to pick up the telephone. We are going to have to catch them."

Anyone who sees anything suspicious is asked to call Darlington Police on (01325) 467 681