A man has been arrested in connection with multiple burglaries at several schools in Devon. Eight burglaries have taken place at four schools in the Teignbridge area, Devon and Cornwall Police said, with cash and electronic devices stolen in the incidents.
Officers have been investigating the incidents, which took place between October 2023 and January 2024. The schools were unoccupied when the burglaries were carried out, and police say entry was forced to the buildings, causing damage both in and outside.
A 28-year-old man from Dawlish has been arrested on suspicion of burglary and remains in police custody. Investigating officers have carried out enquiries and seized CCTV footage, and are now appealing to the public for information.
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Cash was stolen from schools during the incidents and, during a burglary in January, Devon and Cornwall Police said 15 electronic devices were taken from a school. The incidents have been reported at:
- Teignmouth Primary on January 28, 2024.
- Starcross Primary on January 13, 2024.
- Gatehouse Primary on January 1 and January 28, 2024.
- Oakwood College, Dawlish in October and December 2023, and January 2024.
Sector Inspector Sean Roper said: “These incidents have had an impact on the school communities within Teignbridge, with some schools having to stay closed following the burglaries due to the damage caused.
“We have been working closely with the schools to carry out investigations at scenes where possible and seize any CCTV, forensics and make enquiries in the local areas. The Neighbourhood Teams have been engaged with the schools and I would like to thank them in their support of our investigations over the past few months.
“I’d continue to encourage anyone with information or any footage which may assist us to keep reporting it to 101 or via our website quoting reference 50240022435.”
