Ref. 29353-06THIEVES who stole £3,000 worth of computer screens from Bradon Forest School have forced pupils back to the drawing board.

The Purton secondary has just opened its new technology block and students had been preparing to use the latest computers to help them with their design work.

But last weekend thieves gained entry to the block by smashing its glass doors with a brick, before making off with 13 flatscreen Liyama Pro Lite E383 monitors.

The monitors were only delivered to the school last week.

Work on the block had not finished so the screens had been moved to an unlocked store cupboard.

The school is now waiting for insurance to come through so it can buy some more monitors.

Deputy head Phil Scott said the monitors were in high demand and might take some weeks to replace.

Until then pupils have been left with no choice but to go back to using pens and paper.

"It's very frustrating," said Mr Scott.

"We have a brand new facility that is taking us into the 21st century but we can't put it into operation.

"Now we are back to square one, drawing with pens and paper."

Mr Scott said he believed the thieves must have known where the screens were being kept.

"We believe someone was aware the delivery took place and knew they were in the storeroom," he said.

The incident occurred between 4pm on Saturday and 5am on Monday.

Anyone with information can contact Cricklade police on 01793 750207.