School intruders find it alarming!

WOULD-BE burglars were thwarted in their attempt to break into Hathershaw Technology College thanks to a sophisticated alarm system.

The audio detection systems, which are in place at schools across Oldham, were activated at 11pm yesterday.

Officers from Oldham Council’s First Response team, accompanied by police, made their way to the Bellfield Avenue site.

They found three people inside the building. A 22-year-old man and two 17-year-old boys were arrested on suspision of burglary. They were bailed until September 15.

The incident was just the latest of 41 such alarm activations at local schools during the summer holiday period.

Councillor Mark Alcock, Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure, said: “As well as reacting to local emergencies, our First Response team is there to react quickly to protect our public spaces, civic buildings and infrastructure.

“These intruders were picked up by our state-of-the-art audio detection equipment. That is monitored 24-hours a day by our control room staff who can dispatch security officers and police immediately.

“This latest incident serves to highlight that they are working effectively to protect taxpayers’ property and investment. Schools are vital to the future prosperity of this borough and we take their security seriously.”

Before last night’s break-in there had been three further activations of alarms at Hathershaw Technology College on August 14 and 15.

At local primary school sites, police dog handlers arrested three people breaking into Mills Hill Primary in Chadderton on August 2.

Vandals also broke into Holy Family Primary, in Lime Green Road, on August 14 but evaded capture.

Councillor Alcock added: “It is reassuring to know that of the 41 alarm activations this summer, intruders have only managed to get inside our schools on three occasions and they were immediately detected.

“Our message to burglars is simple: We are watching Oldham’s civic buildings 24/7 and, if you break in, we will immediately know what you are up to and exactly where you are.”