SCHOOL rugby teams competing in a tournament had laptops, computer tablets, phones and even their uniforms stolen by thieves who raided minibuses while they played.

Pupils from Oakbank in Keighley and Parkside, Cullingworth, together with students from Titus Salt in Baildon and St Bede’s in Heaton, were at an under-13s sporting festival at Baildon Rugby Club.

Headteachers have branded the crime as “sad” and “thoughtless”.

Minibuses from each school were targeted at the Jenny Lane ground on Tuesday afternoon last week by thieves who popped bus windows out of their rubber seals, then opened the doors.

Sharon Priestley’s son Mark was one of 15 pupils from Parkside School who were playing in the rugby tournament.

Mrs Priestley, of Wilsden, said: “The thieves got into the Parkside van and took almost everything – kit, wallets, phones, i-Pads, tablets, house keys and even blazers – all gone.

“Mark lost his Samsung Galaxy phone, but others lost a lot more.

“It must have been planned – they took their time and carefully removed a window to get in.

“Even things like sports kit are expensive, and the blazers alone cost £35.”

Following the incident, Parkside headteacher, Andrew Taylor, said: “Upset and disappointment are two of the emotions here at Parkside School upon hearing that we, along with three other schools, had our minibuses broken into at the rugby festival at Baildon RUFC.

“We hope to continue supporting such events, given the valuable life experiences they give, but will be reviewing all our arrangements in light of the incident.”

Sergeant James Firth, of the Shipley Area Neighbourhood Team, said there already had been progress in the investigation.

“We have recovered some items in the Eccleshill area, which we believe to have been stolen from the minibuses, and are working with the schools to identify these and hope to return them to the children as soon as possible,” he added.

“It is almost certain the thieves used a vehicle, and I would urge anyone who saw that vehicle, or witnessed any suspicious activity in the area between 3.30pm and 5.15pm on Tuesday last week, to contact the police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

lWhat do you think? We welcome letters on this or any other subject. E-mail richard.parker@keighleynews.co.uk or write to The Editor, Keighley News, 80-86 North Street, Keighley, West Yorkshire BD21 3AG. Please include your name, address and daytime telephone number in case we need to contact you.