A MUM has raised concerns over a school's security after her son's bike was stolen from a rack.

A series of thefts of bicycles belonging to pupils at Hope Academy School in Newton-le-Willows took place between January 27 and 31.

Samantha Wood, whose 15-year-old son had his bike stolen, has set up a Facebook group to pressure the school into including the bike rack under CCTV coverage, or moving it to a more secure location.

However, Hope Academy says the thefts have taken place outside of the school's fenced boundary and that there is a secured bike area in its grounds.

"There have been numerous bike thefts where the culprits have cut through the said child’s padlock and stolen their bike, while that child is in school," said Samantha.

"Two bikes were stolen alone on Friday, January 31.

"This is concerning, as to be stealing that number of bikes in a short period they clearly have a vehicle to transport them off site.

"After the first incident, Hope Academy should have been extra vigilant.

"The main concern is why and how are unauthorised personnel entering school grounds without raising the alarm."

She added: "I am creating this group, to try and pressure Hope Academy into including their pupils cycle rack in their CCTV coverage and to also accept responsibility for bicycles being stolen when locked by persons clearly unauthorised to be on site.

"Due to the number of bicycles stolen, if as suspected, a vehicle may have been used to remove the bicycles, without fear mongering, it does not take a big stretch to conceive that the same could happen to one of our children."

When the Star contacted Hope Academy, principal Patrick Ferguson and head of school Marie Adams said: "Over 12 months ago, the academy invested in a secure bike cage which is located within our academy fenced boundary and adjacent to the main entrance.

"This is locked securely by a member of the premises team at the beginning and end of each school day. This is also covered by CCTV monitoring. No bikes have been stolen from this area.

"The social media account relates to a small number of bicycles which were parked elsewhere and outside of our fenced campus, CCTV confirms this and this was passed to the police.

"On becoming aware of this, we sent a reminder text to parents to ensure students store their bikes in the academy bike cage on campus."

They added: "It should be noted that the entrance from Ashton Road is a shared entrance to the academy and the local authority sports centre.

"From time to time there are members of public who use the public pathway leading to the entrance area outside of the academy campus, who are neither existing students, parents or anybody with legitimate business with the academy. We have no jurisdiction in this area however when required, we seek the support and assistance of the police.

"At the start and end of each day, members of the academy staff are on duty in these areas and wear high visibility jackets. When there is such a situation the team leader will report the matter and if deemed necessary the police are informed."