THIEVES broke into Dorothy Lynas elementary Tuesday and stole seven Macintosh laptops from the school's computer lab.
The culprits threw a brick through the door window into the library then proceeded to the computer lab, according to Cpl. Richard De Jong, spokesman for the North Vancouver RCMP.
"These are high-ticket, easy-turnover items," said De Jong.
At this point investigators are confident that multiple persons were involved in the break-in based on the number of laptops stolen, said De Jong.
With 560 students enrolled, Dorothy Lynas is the largest elementary school in School District 44.
"We use computers daily to enhance the curriculum in any class from K-7," said principal Joan Martins.
With seven laptops missing, intermediate classes of 30 students will have to either share or take turns at the computers, making it difficult to teach classes in the lab as effectively as before, said Martins.
The stolen computers, which will not be replaced in the foreseeable future, are loaded with educational software such as the Starfall suite for reading and math, which is used extensively in elementary schools but of little value to the average person, said Martins.
The thieves' apparent knowledge of not only the school's layout, but the whereabouts of the computers is suspicious, said Martins.
North Vancouver RCMP is currently awaiting the results of forensic identification services.
"We're not ruling out anybody," said De Jong.
The serial numbers of the computers have been recorded in the police stolen property list.
Buying or being in possession of stolen property is a criminal offence. De Jong advises potential buyers to ask for receipts when shopping for second-hand electronics.
"Just because you plead ignorance doesn't mean you won't be charged," said De Jong.
People should record the serial numbers of their electronics upon purchase, said De Jong.
MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS
District of North Vancouver Next regular council meeting, Monday, Jan. 7, 7 p.m. dnv.org
City of North Vancouver Regular council meeting, Monday, Dec. 17, 6 p.m.
Policy committee meeting, 7: 30 p.m. cnv.org
District of West Vancouver Next regular council meeting, Monday, Jan. 14, 7 p.m. westvancouver.ca
North Vancouver School District 44 Next meeting, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 7 p.m. nvsd44.bc.ca
West Vancouver School District 45 Public board meeting, Tuesday, Dec. 18, 7 p.m. sd45.bc.ca
-Compiled By Debbie Caldwell
