POLICE are appealing for the public to be vigilant after a prisoner who had burgled several schools escaped from Standford Hill open prison at Eastchurch on Sheppey.

John Beebe, 25, disappeared from the jail in June while serving a three-year sentence handed down at Harrow Crown Court in April for two school burglaries. He admitted 520 other offences at education centres in Harrow, Hillingdon, Brent, Ealing, Kentish Town, and Thames Valley. He stole a total of £251,000 worth of goods.

Beebe was also given an anti-social behaviour order for five years from April this year preventing him entering any school or college in England and Wales without first telling the nearest police station in writing.

Police are asking the public, teachers, school workers and students to be vigilant.

Det Insp Peter Edwards, of Harrow police, said: “Anyone who has seen John Beebe is asked to contact the police. He is a prolific offender and was responsible for a crime wave in schools prior to Harrow police putting him behind bars.”

The public are advised not to approach Beebe if they see him but to call 999 immediately. Anyone with general information about his whereabouts since June should call Harrow police on 0208 733 3483 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.