Umbrella may hold clue to burglaries

Hamilton police investigating two burglaries of a city school hope someone will recognise this distinctive umbrella, which was left at the scene. Photo / Supplied

Police investigating two burglaries at a Hamilton school hope someone will recognise a distinctive umbrella left at the scene which may lead them to the offenders.

Police were called to the Hukanui School on Pickering Crescent in the northeast of the city after two burglaries last weekend, said Constable Ray Mitchell.

"It appears thieves broke into the school's library last Friday night, and stole a computer and then returned on the Saturday night and stole three more computers from a classroom," Mr Mitchell said.

"These items are valued at several thousand dollars and for the school to replace them means having to fundraise. At the end of the day it's young kids missing out who are the victims and the poor old parents and school committee having to put their hands in their pockets to cover the loss," he said.

The red sun umbrella had white floral designs on it and was quite distinctive, Mr Mitchell said.

"It was left behind in one of the classrooms, we're hoping someone may see it and think; 'hey so and so had one of those' and give us a call."

- NZPA