THOUSANDS of pounds worth of computer equipment has been stolen from a school.

Police said 85 iPads, 10 MacBooks, five Mac minis, four laptops and two tablet computers were taken in a break in at Heathfield Community College.

Most of the devices are laser engraved with asset numbers, meaning they can be remotely blocked, making them unusable. In total, the equipment is worth in the region of £11,000.

The incident occurred at Heathfield Community College, in Cade Street, between 10pm and 10.40pm on Saturday August 20.

Sussex Police only today issued details of the theft and appealed for witnesses.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the force by emailing 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or calling 101, quoting serial 181 of August 22.

Alternatively call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.