BREAK-INS at two St Albans primary schools have prompted police to put in measures to deter would-be thieves. Abbey JMI School was broken into at the beginning of last week and Windermere was targeted towards the end of last year, bringing to six the t

BREAK-INS at two St Albans primary schools have prompted police to put in measures to deter would-be thieves.

Abbey JMI School was broken into at the beginning of last week and Windermere was targeted towards the end of last year, bringing to six the total of schools which have been broken into in recent months.

Most of the time the thieves have either caused criminal damage or got away with computer resources and mobile phones.

Katy Gamble, deputy head of Abbey School said that the burglary there had caused damage and disruption to the school day and Year Five Children felt their usual safe environment had been invaded.

Bozena Lapinski, head of Windermere, added: "The computers that were stolen from classrooms were used by pupils who are only five-years-old. As you can imagine, they are very upset and distressed about this infringement of our property."

Chief Inspector Richard Hann said police were determined to crack down on those responsible by stepping up local patrols and working with schools to improve and explore a range of initiatives including property marking.

He added: "Our message to potential thieves is clear - if you're tempted to break in, there's a very good chance that you'll be caught."

He asked anyone with information to contact police on the non-emergency number 0845 33 00 222 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.