Vandals cause ‘extensive damage’ to computer equipment at Hopwood Hall Middleton Campus

Hopwood Hall Technology Centre

Vandals broke into Hopwood Hall College in Middleton and caused damage to computer equipment used to teach courses at the Technology Centre on Thursday (19 October).

The Centre was unable to open on Friday (20 October), meaning courses in construction, motor vehicle, engineering and electricals could not be taught.

Intruders had stolen a number of items from the college, on Rochdale Road, as well as vandalising computers and photocopiers.

Three youths aged 12, 13 and 16 were arrested at the scene.

A spokesperson for the college said: “Two buildings at the Middleton campus were targeted in a burglary on Thursday 19 October. We notified the police after receiving an alert that an alarm had been triggered.

“Three young people aged 16, 13 and 12 were detained on site having stolen items from the college and caused extensive damage to computers and photocopiers. The extent of the vandalism and the investigative work on Friday morning meant we were unable to open our Technology Centre.

“The clean-up is well underway and everything will be fixed or replaced during the half term break.”

Greater Manchester Police have been contacted for comment.