Police have set up an Essex-wide investigation over fears that specialist gangs are targeting schools for valuable IT gear.

Officers from divisions across the force are understood to be gathering details on raids at education premises where laptops and white boards are being taken.

Raids in eastern division, covering Colchester and Clacton, are said to have reached an all-time high.

Crimefighters in the area are bolstering communication with the education community to tighten up security and nip the trouble in the bud.

Eastern Division crime reduction officer Colin Stiff said: "There has been a steady increase in this type of theft brought to our attention which we are looking to reduce.

"This division and Essex Police are looking at IT theft in schools and we are gathering intelligence about all incidents and all modus operandi.

"The criminal fraternity knows all schools are geared up to have, or already have, IT and IT is a target.

"Security can be done but it comes at a cost.

"Some schools are good and some are not so good but I am trying my best to work with all the education community."