Officers have arrested a man in connection with a number of burglaries at several schools in the Teignbridge area.
Local police have been investigating eight reports of incidents which have occurred between October 2023 and January 2024.
The incidents all occurred when the premises were unoccupied, and entry was forced causing damage to both the inside and outside of the buildings. In some cases a quantity of cash was taken and earlier this month, 15 electronic devices were taken from one school.
The incidents were reported at:
Teignmouth Primary on 28 January 2024.
Starcross Primary on 13 January 2024.
Gatehouse Primary on 1 January and 28 January 2024.
Oakwood College, Dawlish in October and December 2023, and January 2024.
Following each report, officers have carried out enquiries and seized CCTV and other footage which has been reviewed.
A 28-year-old man from Dawlish has been arrested on suspicion of burglary and remains in police custody at this time.
Sector Inspector Sean Roper said: “These incidents have had an impact on the school communities within Teignbridge, with some schools having to stay closed following the burglaries due to the damage caused.
“We have been working closely with the schools to carry out investigations at scenes where possible and seize any CCTV, forensics and make enquiries in the local areas. The Neighbourhood Teams have been engaged with the schools and I would like to thank them in their support of our investigations over the past few months.
“I’d continue to encourage anyone with information or any footage which may assist us to keep reporting it to 101 or via our website quoting reference 50240022435.