Thieves steal school minibus used to transport students to lessons and activities
Thieves have stolen a 17 seater minibus from a Sandwell school which was used to transport students to lessons and activities.
The minibus was taken from the Brades Lodge School site in Lower City Road, Tividale, with thieves jumping over a 6ft gate to get access during the middle of the night.
CCTV has now been released by the school to try and catch the culprits and recover the vehicle.
Anyone who has spotted the minibus is being urged to come forward with information.
Executive headteacher Neil Toplass said it was a massive blow to the school as the bus was needed to deliver its curriculum and its loss would cost thousands of pounds.
The theft was discovered by a member of staff, which led to CCTV being reviewed.
The footage caught two people jumping over a 6ft gate with spikes on, at around 12.45am on December 28.
Mr Toplass said: "The bus is essential for the school and is used daily to transport students who have social emotional and mental health difficulties.
"The school relies on the bus to deliver its curriculum as the school does not have its own indoor sports area and uses a number of alternative provisions and skills centres to support student learning as part of bespoke learning interventions.
"The distress this has caused to the students and staff who see themselves as an important part of the community is immeasurable.
"Furthermore, the peripheral costs to the school with regard to replacing the vehicle, the time it will take to replace the vehicle, the insurance premium increases, the interim rental fees will run into thousands of pounds.
"This is money that will directly impact on our ability to provide classroom resources.
"The bus can't be seen from the outside of the school so whoever did this knew it was there.
"They have jumped over the gate and known how to get out."
The minibus is a 17 seater extended Ford Transit in silver, with The Brades Lodge written down the side.
Its registration plate is YT16 VRJ.
Mr Toplass added: "This is a vehicle that stands out and would be difficult to park on a street without someone noticing it.
"Any help to locate and return the bus would be much appreciated."
Anyone who can help is urged to contact the school on 0121 552 3125.
