STAFF returning to work at the adult learning centre in Falmouth after the Christmas holiday discovered that thieves had broken in and stolen seven computer monitors and a back-up computer.

Despite the centre in Tregenver Road being alarmed, the thieves are thought to have got in through a faulty fire door and the alarm failed to go off.

Area principal Judith Mann said the centre is now reviewing its security measures following the break-in on December 28. She said the thieves seemed to know what they were looking for.

"They've mainly been in my office, and there was stuff all over the place," she said. "It wasn't the worst I have ever seen but it was pretty bad.

"They unplugged all the wires to the computers because they were all over the place. Then they have been into reception and then been upstairs. They were very specific in what they were after.

"We have an alarm system and we have had it all checked so we really don't know how they got in. We have a feeling that one of the fire doors malfunctioned and they were able to get in but we are now reviewing our security. It's not a nice thing to greet you when you come back after Christmas."

Staff are now trying to borrow computer monitors in preparation for their busiest time of year when people are enrolling on the courses. The money for new computers will have to come out of the centre's limited budget, which is provided by the Learning and Skills Council.

The price of replacements is expected to be around £1,000 to £1,200. The centre, which opened around two years ago in the old Falmouth School buildings, has had problems with youths hanging around on the site abusing solvents.

"There are always a lot of young people hanging about and there has been solvent abuse," said Ms Mann.

"We are concerned now this has happened that we are going to become a target."

PC Bob Jones, of Falmouth police, appealed for anyone who is offered the computers to contact the police. He said the thefts had occurred between 9pm and 11.59pm.

The monitors stolen were five Sync Master 17" computer monitors, two LG 17505 computer monitors, a Buffalo back-up computer server and a mobile phone.

Anyone with any information about the stolen computers should contact PC Bob Jones at Falmouth police station on 08452 777 444 quoting crime reference GP/0720.