The men, a 17-year-old student at Daylesford Secondary College and a 20-year-old former DSC student from Sailors Falls, allegedly caused $3500 worth of damage before tripping a silent alarm.

Police said the men entered the college grounds about 12.10am last Thursday.

They graffitied a number of school buildings, including a new administration office, opened recently as part of the school's upgrade.

The men then entered one of the buildings through a door, continuing their graffiti spree on an inside wall.

Next, they allegedly headed for a computer room where they stole $3000 worth of video cameras.

The cameras were loaded into the boot of a car, which was parked at a nearby bus stop.

Leading Senior Constable Ian Wallace of Daylesford Police said the men went back inside for more stolen goods.

When police arrived at the scene the men were found with up to 20 laptop computers piled up and ready to be moved.

"They've gone back and, in the process of stealing computer equipment, police have arrived," Sen Const Wallace said.

The Daylesford man has been charged with burglary, theft and criminal damage. He has been bailed.

The other man is to be charged on summons, Sen Const Wallace said.

"The school is very disappointed in their behaviour," he said.

All the items owned by the school were recovered from the boot of the car.

The men are scheduled to appear in court in February.

The 17-year-old man will attend Ballarat Children's Court and the other man will attend Ballarat Magistrates' Court.