The Wakatipu High School board of trustees is "shocked, disappointed and dismayed" by the alleged theft of an estimated $30,000 of items from Queenstown homes by four teenagers who are believed to be pupils at the school.
School board of trustees chairman Alistair Nicholson was asked to comment yesterday on the arrests of three 16-year-old boys and a 15-year-old girl, who allegedly split into pairs and burgled eight residences in Fernhill, Quail Rise Estate and Lakes Hayes Estate last Tuesday between 2am and 5am.
Sergeant Brian Cameron, of Queenstown, confirmed yesterday police had recovered electronic items, including laptops, computers, iPhones, iPods and cameras, after executing search warrants last week.
Sgt Cameron said it appeared the robberies were premeditated and it was believed the teenagers intended to sell the items.
Goods recovered in the searches were being returned to their owners, he said.
Mr Nicholson said stressed that the offences were alleged and under investigation by Queenstown police.
"The board has not been informed by the police.
All we're basing this on is what we have seen in the press.
"If they have been undertaken [by pupils], the board of trustees, staff and students are disappointed members of their community would engage in such activities.
"The values of the school are individuals are responsible for their actions and accountable to the appropriate authorities."
Mr Nicholson said the board would work with the school's senior management to keep abreast of developments.
Trustees would meet on Wednesday evening to decide on an appropriate response.
The chairman said there had been no previous incidence of burglary committed by pupils of the school to his knowledge.
He said the youths were individuals within Queenstown's community and were accountable to their parents and caregivers.
When asked if expulsion was a possible punishment for the teenagers, Mr Nicholson said the police would decide what charges would be laid and then the court process would begin.
It was not appropriate for trustees to make decisions until the facts were known, he said.
Sgt Cameron said the four youths had allegedly tried doors of residences and parked vehicles in the neighbourhoods and entered through unlocked doors.
He said burglary adversely affected the victims' sense of security and wellbeing and the matter was a timely reminder to secure doors and windows.
Sgt Cameron confirmed the youths were charged with burglary and they were expected to appear in the Queenstown Youth Court tomorrow.
Mr Nicholson spoke to all available board members yesterday and said they were "shocked, disappointed and dismayed" by the alleged burglaries.
"This is totally at odds with the type of behaviour and values the staff encourage."
