A MAN who stole thousands of pounds worth of computer equipment from schools in Coventry has been jailed for more than two-and-a-half years.
Darren Reid’s spree of thefts saw him steal thousands of pounds worth of laptops, iPads and valuables belonging to staff throughout 2024, causing significant disruption to the education of schoolchildren in Coventry.
In total, Reid stole three iPads, six laptops and a machine used to check electrics. The value of the stolen goods came to more than £8,000.
Schools team officers from Coventry Local Policing Area pored over hundreds of hours of CCTV as part of their investigation into the burglaries, leading to Reid’s arrest last October.
Reid, 50, of Bell Green Road, pleaded guilty to burglary, handling stolen goods and possession of a Class B drug back in December.
He was jailed on Thursday January 16 for 32 months, and was given a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) until 2029.
The CBO bans him from being within 50 metres of any school in England and Wales and will result in an immediate return to prison if he is found in breach of the order.
Partnerships Inspector Dave Mason said: “This spate of burglaries had a devastating impact on the resources available to our young pupils.
“It has greatly impacted on school budgets, risking their ability to provide extracurricular activities for pupils.
“Thanks to the hard work of the officers investigating, we were able to build a case against Reid and see him quickly charged.
“We’d remind anyone who is offered electronic items at a discounted price, by someone they don’t know, to instead report it to us.
“Selling these kind of items without proper documentation can be a sign of stolen goods, so don’t buy them if the seller can’t provide proof of purchase.”
