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Second school minibus stolen from Wouldham All Saints Primary in one year

A primary school has become the victim of callous theft for the second time in a year.

Teachers at Wouldham All Saints Primary School in Rochester arrived early this morning to find a minibus, which staff have been using to deliver food parcels to families, had disappeared.

Thieves are caught on CCTV at Wouldham Primary

CCTV footage shows two men break into the grounds and drive off in the vehicle at around 9.15pm last night.

And this isn't the first time a minibus has been stolen from the Worrall Drive primary - in September staff once again captured video of thieves sneaking onto the site and swiping another van.

The minibus was never found but a fundraiser meant a replacement could be bought.

Headteacher Carl Fitter is "heartbroken" by this happening a second time round.

He said: "The minibus was provided after a massive effort from the children, staff and parents. And then to think somebody can just come and help themselves to it is heartbreaking.

Wouldham headteacher Carl Fitter
Wouldham headteacher Carl Fitter

"This situation is bringing out the best in people but also the worst."

It was hoped lights left on and CCTV would have deterred criminals. Mr Fitter drives one of the minibuses home with him each night to protect it, but could not do this will all four.

For now, Wouldham Primary remains open for children of key workers but when all students return in the future, one less minibus could mean less visits to the swimming pools and library and fewer school trips.

Mr Fitter hopes lockdown means the minibus will be more noticeable on the roads, and hopefully spotted by a member of the public.

He added: "We will be resilient, fight our way through and move on."

The headteacher has also shared his views on the Prime Minister's latest announcement regarding schools - that some pupils could return from Monday, June 1.

Mr Fitter said: "I am not happy at all. There was no substance to the announcement and hardly any detail about how this will be possible. There has been no guidance as to what will be safe and not safe - we have so many questions. For example, how many children will be allowed in each classroom?"

Wouldham Primary has got a 90% engagement rate from pupils learning at home and in a survey sent out by the school last week, 40% of parents said they wouldn't want to send their children back until September.

Police are investigating the minibus theft and asks anyone with information to call 01634 792209 quoting reference 46/79742/20.

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