Two men have been arrested and charged with 70 offences between them after a three month investigation of electronic devices stolen from at least 12 private schools in Sydney's north west, the Illawarra and Southern Highlands.
Police believe at least 800 laptops and iPads have been stolen and one of the schools broken into is in Kellyville.
A male, 20, from Windsor was arrested in Windsor yesterday and was charged with 22 counts of aggravated break and enter, 21 counts of receiving or disposing of stolen goods and taking part in a criminal group.
He will appear at Penrith local court today, February 20.
Another man, 20, was arrested on February 17 at his home in Ebenezer and charged with 13 counts of aggravated break and enter, 12 counts of receive or dispose of stolen property and participating in a criminal group.
He will next appear at Penrith local court on February 27.
Assistant Commissioner Denis Clifford addressed the press at St Marys Police Station.
He said the police had arrested two people but believed there were others involved in the group.
"We believe there are fewer than 10 people but more than two people," he said.
Mr Clifford encouraged people to come forward if they had recieved laptops or iPads they believe may have been stolen. He said police do believe members of the public may have innocently purchased goods from the break ins via online shops or pawn shops.
Police raided a Kings Cross pawn shop where they recovered between 150 and 170 devices they allege are connected to the spate of school break ins.
Police began investigating after a number of school break ins had similar traits but Mr Clifford wouldnt elaborate on the methods of breaking in.
Mr Clifford said he was "disappointed" people would take devices intended for children to use for learning.