Burglars tried to smash their way into the school

BURGLARS wearing balaclavas used a sledgehammer to help smash their way into a school, making off with just £8 in cash.

Samuel Whitbread Community College in Clifton was raided by two offenders who, wearing balaclavas, broke the lock on the school gates and drove a silver Vauxhall Vectra estate up to the reception doors.

The duo then tried to smash open the doors with a sledgehammer, but when this failed they kicked the doors in to gain access.

After a search of three offices, the pair fled the area with £8 in cash.

The incident took place at about 10.20pm on Tuesday.

Ten minutes later a similar offence took place at Langford Lower School, where burglars forced a side door open with a crowbar.

They took money and a small safe from the school office.

If you have information relating to either of these burglaries, call Sergeant Gary Kidd at Bedfordshire Police, in confidence, on the non-emergency number 101, or text information to 07786200011.

Alternatively contact independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org