Scottish school kids were caught stealing goods worth hundreds of pounds at an airport in Italy while on the way back from a ski trip in Europe.
The theft, carried out by seven senior pupils who attend Turnbull High School in Bishopbriggs, was captured on security cameras as they attempted to steal expensive aftershave from duty free at Bergamo Airport.
The plane was allowed to take off after a school staff member handed €800 over to cover the cost of the missing items.
Staff and pupils were returning from a week-long ski trip to the Passo Tonale resort in northern Italy when the incident happened, causing security officers to be called and their flight home held on the runway.
One source, whose child was on the trip abroad, told how other pupils were left shaken and distraught as officials warned they’d delay the flight.
They told the Glasgow Times: “The kids who were not involved in this, including my child, were really upset on the flight back home.
“Everyone is shocked at what has gone on. It’s not behaviour you expect from pupils attending such a well-regarded school. They really should know better and it’s totally unacceptable. The teachers were obviously shocked too as they had no idea what had happened until security arrived and told them the items had to be paid for or the flight wasn’t getting off the tarmac.”
It has been reported that the parents of the seven teens involved have been asked to reimburse the member of teaching staff.
The parent added: “The worst part is that those involved are now back on the football team and there doesn’t appear to be any disciplinary action being taken at all, so how are they supposed to learn a lesson? It just really sends out the wrong message.
“The pupils involved should face serious repercussions for the upset they caused to others. I’ve spoken to members of staff and parents who all feel that this should have been handled better and those involved suspended.”
Turnbull High School is a well-regarded school and ranked amongst the top 40 of Scotland’s state secondary schools in recent years.
Another source claimed that senior staff have been left embarrassed by the shocking incident.
They added: “This is among the best schools in Scotland and staff on the trip have been left shocked and totally red-faced by what has gone on. They expect senior pupils to know better and everyone feels a bit let down by their behaviour.
“Thankfully police did not have to get involved as everything was dealt with at the airport, but it really raises questions about any future trips and supervising pupils.”
A spokesperson for East Dunbartonshire Council said that a full investigation is under way.
Greg Bremner, Chief Education Officer, said, “We are aware of the incident involving pupils at Turnbull High School. The school are taking this seriously and are in contact with parents to take appropriate action regarding this unacceptable behaviour.”
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