Florida Park High School (Parkies) also has been the target of the suspected syndicate that breaks into schools and steals their equipment.
The Record has in its possession shocking video footage of at least four hours long that shows how easy-going criminals rob the school of equipment estimated to be worth R260 000.
The video captures the criminals’ every move and shows that they have all the time in the world to complete their unlawful mission. They also appear to be very comfortable as if they couldn’t care less when looking straight at the security cameras.
According to Des Borcherds of the School Governing Body (SGB), “The footage shows how criminals enter the office area through the roof and from the women’s bathroom, how they break a window to gain access to the office, steal equipment and snoop around in desk drawers until they eventually leave.
“The criminals managed to walk away with 13 computers, two printers, four data projectors, a laptop, six LCD screens and together with the damage to property the loss to the school is estimated to be around R260 000.”
The incident happened on 11 January 2014, just a few days before schools officially opened.
This crime is linked to a syndicate believed to be operating and targeting schools in Roodepoort for some time. Parkies has joined Arthur Matthews, Culembeeck Primary, Roodebeeck, Die Burger, Princess Primary and Constantia Kloof Primary on the list of schools targeted in a similar way.
Borcherds adds that the school will appreciate any help from the community to catch the culprits. A donation to help replace what has been stolen/ damaged is highly welcomed.
A case of robbery is said to have been opened at the Florida Police Station. Captain Lydia Dikolomela of the Florida SAPS says, “A case of housebreaking and theft is being investigated. The faces of the suspects captured on video have been sent to forensics in Pretoria and we are awaiting results to identify and arrest them.”
Because the original video contained 21 clips the Record edited it so that all the unlawful activities are contained in one clip.
