Schools get smart after burglaries

Oct 30 2007 by David Higgerson, Liverpool Daily Post

BURGLARS targeted Liverpool schools almost 100 times in the last school year, it emerged last night.

Now students are helping to launch a crackdown on break-ins which will see DNA style SmartWater sprayed on computers, DVD players and other ICT equipment at all of the city’s 190 schools.

Last year there were 96 burglaries at Liverpool’s schools, causing a great deal of distress for teachers and pupils.

Cllr Paul Clein, executive member for children’s services, said: “Burglaries at schools have a tremendously negative impact on education in Liverpool.

“It is not just the cost of replacing stolen equipment but the disruption it causes to lessons and the impact on pupils learning.

“Any items which are taken can’t be replaced overnight, and during the intervening period pupils do not have access to vital equipment that is crucial to their education.”

SmartWater codes property with a forensic DNA style solution which is uniquely registered to the owner.

It means criminals caught with the equipment can be linked back to the school, providing absolute proof of where it came from.

Pupils from Holly Lodge in West Derby will tomorrow be spraying a bright pink ‘hands off’ logo on the ground at the school entrance.

The symbol, which will be used at all SmartWater schools, is designed to deter thieves who are thinking of breaking in.

Cllr Colin Eldridge, executive member for community safety, said: “This partnership between the city council and Merseyside Police will have a major impact on tackling a problem that hits schools in the pocket.”