The actions of the criminal gang who targeted a number of establishments across Bradford to get their hands on, primarily, computer equipment, would be odious whatever premises they chose.

But the fact that they systematically targeted schools in the district adds an even sourer taste to their activities. These people – and others like them who think that schools are ripe for the plundering – obviously have little regard for the needs of other people, even in their own communities.

It would perhaps be too much to ask for those who engage in such selfish, greedy behaviour to consider, even for a moment, just what they are doing – stealing hard-won equipment, disrupting children’s education and damaging the morale of youngsters and staff, and effectively trying their best to ruin the prospects of others.

Just because these schools are empty when the thieves attack and part of the state education network, this does not make burglaries such as these “victimless crimes” – far from it. Schools have to balance every penny of their budgets these days, and very often families are asked to contribute to the purchase of computer equipment for children to use in schools.

This particular gang was brought to justice because the computer equipment they stole was traceable. Had they taken more notice at school they might have learned that this was likely to be the case. Let us hope that the children at the schools that these crooks targeted grow up with as much of a disdain for criminals as these burglars have for law and community spirit... and a lot more common sense.