Chocolates stolen from school
11:42, 03 December 2009
Thieves have stolen hundreds of pounds of chocolate from a school in Gillingham.
The confectionery had been donated by pupils at Bryon Primary for a Christmas tombola to help raise money for the school.
The thieves struck on Monday afternoon while some of the staff were putting up a Christmas tree in the school hall. Three youths were seen on CCTV going into a storage room where the chocolate was being kept and leaving with bulging backpacks and armfuls of chocolate.
Sam Digby a teacher at the school and chairman of the Friends of Byron Association, said staff discovered the chocolate was missing at about 5.45pm.
She said: “We have looked on our CCTV and it shows three youths of about 14 or 15 but you cannot see their faces.
“All the children brought something in and some bought two or three things. We have 500 pupils here so the chocolate must have been worth about £700.
Head teacher Jim Fernie said: “I think I speak for everyone when I say how devastated and appalled we are that someone could do something so callous.”
Pupil Robert Jackson, 11, said: “I felt terrible when Mr Fernie told us. How could they steal from a school that is trying so hard to raise money and have fun.”
The school has been rallying around to collect more chocolate in time for the Christmas walkabout on Monday when the tombola was due to be held.
The walkabout is a chance for parents to visit the school to see the pupils’ Christmas displays and enjoy mince pies and games with the children.
The school has also appealed for donations from local businesses and some have already stepped forward to help.
If you would like to make a donation, please call the school on 01634 852981.
Sgt Jane Oirschot from Medway Police confirmed officers were looking into the theft. She said: “We will be viewing CCTV from the area but would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident or has information which may help us with our investigation.”
If you can help, call Medway Police on 01634 792323 or Kent CrimeStoppers on 0800 555111.