Woman arrested in exam theft case

University clock tower. Photo / Getty

A 23-year-old woman has been arrested in relation to 98 exam scripts being stolen at Otago University.

Police said the woman has been charged with burglary after someone allegedly broke into the Clocktower building and stole 98 unmarked examination scripts on Saturday night.

The university said yesterday there had been "considerable damage to property" and the vast majority of stolen exams had been sat by the students on Saturday, and their scripts were unmarked.

Deputy vice-chancellor academic, Professor Vernon Squire, said yesterday university staff were contacting each of the 98 students who had their exam scripts stolen.

Professor Squire said his immediate concern was for the students who have been affected.

"We understand how upsetting and disappointing this is for the students.

"The considerable effort they have put into their study and exams has essentially been ruined by this reprehensible criminal act," Prof Squire said.

"We will do all that we can to support the students."

A range of different subjects was involved and the students were at different stages of their courses.

"It is our hope that the scripts will be returned, but at this point we need to put plans in place as this may not occur.

"Therefore, we are making arrangements with the students to prepare for a likelihood that their scripts will not be returned," Prof Squire said.

"We remain hopeful that this crime can be resolved."

Police would not comment further while the matter was before the courts.

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