Wave of School Break-ins Hits Uppsala County, Officials Alarmed
Uppsala County faces a surge in school break-ins, leading to significant thefts and security concerns.
Key Points
- • Seven schools in Uppsala County have reported break-ins totaling over one million kronor in stolen electronics.
- • Two additional break-ins have occurred, with significant thefts of tablets and computers.
- • Police are investigating links between recent and past break-ins, supported by surveillance footage.
- • Local officials stress the importance of securing devices and express concern for student impact.
In Uppsala County, Sweden, a troubling wave of break-ins has led to the theft of electronics valued at over one million kronor from local schools, raising concerns among education officials about security and student welfare. Over just two weeks, seven schools have reported break-ins, with two additional incidents contributing to the alarming trend, where tablet and computer thefts have been significant; one preschool alone lost 38 tablets and another school in Östhammars municipality reported losses of at least 24 devices, totaling nearly half a million kronor in stolen property.
Police are actively investigating these incidents, with surveillance footage capturing thieves in action. On May 15, three individuals were seen using crowbars to break into a school, with ongoing inquiries into potential connections between the recent thefts and prior incidents. Lisa Johansson from the crime coordination unit stated that the police are working diligently to uncover these links and calling for vigilance among school administrators to securely lock electronic devices after hours.
Local education officials, including Christina Stenhammar, have expressed deep concern, emphasizing that the impact on students extends beyond the financial losses and calling for a comprehensive plan to prevent future incidents. Erik Ojala, the head of primary education in Uppsala, mentioned steps to secure devices but noted that there are currently no plans to enhance security measures such as surveillance or increased patrols.