Rasbert Turner, Star Writer

An investigation is under way in St Catherine to locate person or persons who broke into the Linstead Primary and Junior High School on Sunday night.

Reports are that about 6 a.m. on Monday, personnel arrived at the school and found the administrative block broken into.

The culprits also removed a chest from the bursar's office and smashed a partition which was used to gain entry.

"When I got the call this morning, I was not sure as to the level of the problem. When I got here the seriousness hit me," Principal Gloria Johnson said.

She told The Star that four laptops, a monitor, a flat screen television set and a chest, with more than $100,000 in cash, were stolen.

Meanwhile, Education Officer Euphemia Robinson said that it was a sad day for education.

"When I got here this morning and saw the administration office, it makes wonder how cruel persons can be. When something like this happens, it affects the whole education cycle," Robinson said.

Her views were echoed by school board chairman, Telbert Roberts, who said that although classes were in session at the school, the staff had low morale.

He said a unified approach is needed prevent events of such nature.

The school is more than 70 years old with 57 teachers and 1,000 students enrolled.

The police said the estimated loss is about $500,000.