THIEVES and vandals targeted schools in Pendle causing around £9,000 worth of damage.

Most badly hit was St John Southworth primary school in Lomeshaye Road, Nelson, where intruders smashed 16 doors and ransacked the headmaster's office in their search for cash and computer equipment.

They even took the caretaker's buckets to use as hold-alls for smaller items.

Vandals ripped out the 'phone lines and threw stones through the windows of Walverden infant school, Bracewell Street, Nelson.

Damage is estimated at around £200.

At Gibfield Special School, Gibfield Road, Colne, burglars were deterred when their efforts to get in failed. TheY had smashed a glass panel in a reinforced door and attempted to kick in a wooden panel.

The break-in at St John Southworth happened on Sunday night. Head Michael Duckworth says the thieves came armed with a shopping list of electrical equipment and were very selective when they chose computers.

He said: "We're still adding to the list of what is missing. The broke 16 doors to get into the classrooms and offices so they could check out the computer equipment and it was as though they almost came with a shopping list.

"They didn't touch the Nimbus and BBC computers used by the children but they did get three PCs, including the one in the office.

"As well as that there were two CD systems, a video, a radio cassette and CD, the caretaker's tools and a whole range of little incidental things like desk calculators and even paint brushes.

"They made a mess of the office and opened three filing cabinets with a crowbar. It seems obvious they were looking for money.

"Whoever it was has been very thorough. They knew what they wanted and even carried the smaller items off in the plastic bucket."

In Colne, vandals directed their attention to a new children's playground which has been open for only a few months.

Around £500 worth of damage was caused when youths 'adapted' a climbing frame to create a net for a game of basketball.

They ripped off a safety barrier above a five foot drop and used a bike wheel as a hoop.

Pendle Council's head ranger Allan Hammett said the makeshift basketball goal was the first time there had been any trouble at the playground in Birtwistle Avenue.

He added: "It's a shame because it is a lovely playground and it is very well used. The kids love it. From what we can gather the children seem to have a good idea who it was and won't let it happen again. We're keeping our fingers crossed that it's a one-off."

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