Charlton Manor school minibus found stripped after theft

The Charlton Manor Primary School bus was found “very sadly” abandoned after having “crashed into fencing at Whitehead Nursery” in Orpington.

It was stolen from the Charlton Manor's driveway on Thursday, August 5 at around 3.50pm.

According to the school, it was “emblazoned” with pictures of children taking part in learning, as well as having the school name and logs on.

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The school said that it had also discovered that two people had attempted to steal the bus just days before on Tuesday, August 3.

According to Metropolitan Police, no arrests have been made and enquiries into the theft are ongoing.

Officers have arranged for CCTV from the school to be recovered.

Anyone with information is being asked to call police on 101 or tweet @MetCC quoting CAD 8223/05Aug.

Charlton Manor initially posted an appeal on social media to help find the bus, and said it felt “particularly hard to accept that someone would choose to steal a school bus that is only there for children to go on school trips”.

They added that the theft “risks depriving them of experiences and opportunities.”

The minibus was "emblazoned" with pictures of the children and school logos

The full post said: “***PLEASE HELP*** Very sadly, our school mini bus has been stolen from the school driveway.

"This happened yesterday (Thursday 5th August) at 15.53pm in the afternoon- please see a still image of the suspect.

"The Police have been informed and are currently investigating.

"There are also still images of two further suspects, who we have since discovered attempted to steal the mini bus on Tuesday 3rd August at 12.59 in the afternoon.

"The main suspect drove out of our driveway and turned left onto Indus Road, heading towards Shooters Hill.

"We would be very grateful if you could check your CCTV/Door bell cams incase they provide further evidence.

"If you have any information you can contact the Met Police on 101 and quote crime reference number: 3618413/21.

"You can also contact us at: admin@charltonmanor.greenwich.sch.uk.

"The registration plate of the stolen school bus is: EK13 LKY.

"The bus is emblazoned with pictures of our children taking part in their learning as well as our school name and logos.

"It feels particularly hard to accept that someone would choose to steal our school bus that is only there for classes of children to go on school trips.

"This theft risks depriving them of those experiences and opportunities whilst we try and work out what we can do about it.

"Thank you for your help and support in advance."

The school then updated Facebook followers with an update: “Very sadly, our stolen mini bus has been found in Orpington.

"Stripped and abandoned.

"Thanks to the members of the public for getting in touch to inform us and to the community for such fantastic support."

A spokesperson for Metropolitan Police said: “On the afternoon of Thursday, 5 August police received a report that a minibus had been stolen from outside a school in Indus Road, Charlton.

"The vehicle was later found abandoned in Skeets Hill, Orpington.

"Police arranged recovery of the vehicle.

"Officers have taken a statement from the informant and arranged for CCTV to be recovered.

"Enquiries into the circumstances are ongoing.

"No arrests have been made.

"Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or tweet @MetCC quoting CAD 8223/05Aug. To remain anonymous contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

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