Learning-centre raid caught on camera

CAUGHT in the act: the masked thieves strike

AN educational centre for Oldham youngsters has been raided for a fourth time.

A total of £30,000 worth of equipment has now been stolen from the City Learning Centre in Chadderton since August.

Police have released CCTV images of the latest break-in which capture the brazen thieves in the act.

The burglars, five in one of the shots, can be seen donning menacing masks and using hoods to cover their faces as they rip out valuable computer equipment. Each break-in has taken place overnight between Wednesday and Thursday.

The latest happened at 12.30am on Thursday when glass panels were smashed so doors could be opened and one laptop was taken.

The dramatic spate of burglaries kicked off in the early hours of Thursday, August 18, when thieves forced open the door to the Hollinwood Avenue centre. They searched the building and made off with a laptop.

The centre was targeted exactly a week later in the early hours of the following Thursday, August 25.

Robbers searched the building and callously smashed glass doors and panels before stealing two laptops.

A pattern emerged as robbers made off with their most significant haul — 16 laptops — between 5pm on Wednesday September 21 and 12.40am the following day. In total, £30,000 worth of equipment has been taken. Police are now appealing for anyone who may hold clues to get in touch.

Police Constable Sharon Harper, from the Chadderton Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “It is highly likely these laptops are being sold to make the thieves a lot of money.

“Anyone who is offered computer equipment under suspicious circumstances should contact police as soon as possible. “