Stop stealing from kids

Bayles Regional Primary School Principal Mat Anderton has pleaded for thieves to think twice before targeting local schools. 125526_05

By Bonny Burrows

A fed-up principal, tired of his school being targeted by criminals, has called on the culprits to “have a heart”.
Following a spate of thefts at Bayles Regional Primary School, principal Mat Anderton has put out the public plea in a bid to deter future attacks.
In the past five months, 30 iPads have been stolen and a fence fire lit, leaving the school out of pocket and without essential school equipment.
Mr Anderton said the most recent theft of 20 of the Apple tablets on 23 April was the final straw.
The items were purchased by the school through fund-raising and the community would like to see them returned.
Mr Anderton described those responsible for their theft as “heartless”.
“Enough is enough. It’s not OK,” he said.
“What you’re doing is stealing from kids.”
What perhaps hurts the school most is the possibility the offenders were local.
According to Mr Anderton, all incidents occurred in the early hours of the weekend.
“Where we are we’re quite isolated so it’s obviously planned,” Mr Anderton said.
“As a small school, they see us as soft targets and think they can just come and take what they like.
“It’s frustrating for the community and us – at the end of the day it’s the kids that are missing out.”
Bayles Regional is not the only school targeted by offenders in recent times.
On 2 March, Nar Nar Goon Primary School was also the victim of theft, with three iPads stolen.
“We don’t know if they’re related, but there has certainly been the targeting of small schools in the area,” Mr Anderton said.
Cardinia Criminal Investigation Unit is investigating the crimes, but in the meantime Bayles Regional isn’t taking any more chances.
“We’re taking action to protect our assets, we are boosting our security,” Mr Anderton said.
“But I’d really like whoever is involved to think of the kids. They probably don’t care, but what they’re doing is really disheartening for the school community.”
Police are asking anyone with information about this incident to phone Cardinia CIU on 5945 2500 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.