A GIRLS’ high school has turned itself into a hi-tech fortress by installing an electrified fence to deter burglars.
Thieves had become so bold in their raids that they even left permanent messages on classroom white boards to taunt the school chiefs.
Governors and teachers were so incensed by the callous comments – such as “Thanks very much. We will back when you have replaced your stock.”
It also costs £2,500 a time to replace the boards.
The “pulse” fence has been installed at the top of existing railings and provides a non-lethal electric shock to anything that touches it, eventually setting off an alarm if the unlucky victim continues to make contact.
Batley Girls High headteacher Jackie Eames said: “It’s just an extra safety message we needed because of the break-ins.
“Cameras don’t work and we didn’t want a security firm patrolling.
“We needed something effective but not a danger or a nuisance. We spend hundreds of thousands of pounds of public money and we don’t want that to be lining the pockets of burglars.”
The school has lost thousands of pounds worth of equipment in the last year.
During the latest break-in, at least 30 laptops were stolen. On other occasions, projects have been deliberately smashed up with shovels.
Mrs Eames said the fence would not be a risk to pupils or members of the public.
She added: “The system will only be on when the school is empty and it is no threat to staff or anyone else – unless they are trying to climb over or reach through and then they’re obviously up to no good.”
