Key Takeaways
- Thieves have broken into six primary schools in Region 4, Jamaica, including Bickersteth Primary, which fell victim to three break-ins in one year.
- Items stolen include laptops, food, and cash, with significant damage inflicted during the latest break-in.
- Cove Primary School recently lost solar batteries, but they have since been replaced and cameras installed after multiple incidents.
- The school chairman announced Bickersteth Primary will remain closed for repairs and urged the community to assist with information for the police.
- Authorities are currently investigating these thefts, which began alongside the September school term’s orientation.
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Since late August, thieves have broken into six primary schools in Region 4 of the Jamaica Education Ministry. The latest incident occurred on Wednesday night, October 7, 2026, at Bickersteth Primary and Infant School in St James.
According to Regional Director Dr. Michelle Pinnock, the other schools affected include Bogue Hill Primary and Infant School, Anchovy Primary School, Farm Primary and Infant School, and Irwin Primary School. All these schools are located in St. James. Additionally, Cove Primary School in Hanover is also impacted.
Pinnock revealed that the increase in break-ins began in the last week of August. This timing coincides with the start of orientation for the September school term. She mentioned that the heads of the individual schools have reported these incidents to the police. In addition, investigations are currently underway.
“Among the items the thieves stole were food, laptops, and small amounts of cash. Additionally, Cove Primary lost solar batteries that had been donated by Sandals Resorts; however, these have since been replaced. The school has also installed cameras following the incident,” Pinnock told The Gleaner. “Unfortunately, there were no CCTV cameras at the schools prior to this.”
On Wednesday night, thieves broke into Bickersteth Primary and Infant School, damaging windows and doors to the main office. They ransacked the principal’s office, the guidance counselor’s office, the staff room, and the tuck shop.
During the break-in, the thieves stole 14 laptops, one desktop computer, various food items, and an undisclosed amount of money. Several school files and documents were removed and scattered throughout the premises, and some were destroyed.
Staff members discovered the aftermath of the break-in when they reported to work on Thursday morning.
Thieves have broken into Bickersteth Primary three times within one year.
Bickersteth Primary has faced two break-ins in September last year. During these incidents, thieves stole food from the tuck shop and $3,000 in cash.
In a public notice on Thursday, school chairman Renardo Douglas announced that Bickersteth Primary and Infant School will remain closed until further notice to facilitate repairs. Furthermore, he urged the community to share any information they might have with the police.
“We understand that this closure may inconvenience parents, guardians, students, and the wider school community. However, the safety and security of our students and staff, along with the protection and restoration of critical school records and resources, are our highest priorities,” said Douglas.
“The board is working closely with the school administration and relevant authorities as we assess the situation and take the necessary corrective measures.”
Read about the JCF’s advice to the Education Ministry after a series of Primary School break-ins