POLICE are today investigating a possible link between the theft of 18 laptops from two Ipswich schools.

POLICE are today investigating a possible link between the theft of 18 laptops from two Ipswich schools.

The computers, worth more than £5,000 in total, were taken from St Mary's Primary School in Woodbridge Road and Ipswich School in Henley Road.

Police are asking people to be vigilant as some of the laptops have restricted internet facilities that should raise suspicion.

Two Dell laptops were taken from an office at the Ipswich School after the main building was entered via an insecure front door between 2.30pm and 3.15pm on Friday, December 19.

Anyone with information should call Pc Gareth Northwood at the North East Ipswich Safer Neighbourhood Team on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Then 16 black Toshiba laptops without the battery packs were stolen after the IT room at St Mary's was broken into between 10.30am and 4pm on Monday, December 22.

Police said the laptops from St Mary's have a restricted internet facility that can only be accessed through the school's central computer.

Inspector Mike Hinshelwood, of Suffolk police, said: “If anyone has been offered a Toshiba laptop for sale that can't connect to the internet, please let us know.”

If anyone has information about this crime, they should call Pc Cobi Coupland at the Ipswich Neighbourhood Response Team on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.