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Police criticised over iPad theft probe

Thieves broke into a school in Willenhall and stole more than a dozen new iPads worth £3,000 and school chiefs claim the police aren't investigating.

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The Shepwell School, in Bilston Lane, was targeted by thieves who prised open a window with a crowbar, setting off security alarms.

The burglars got away with 15 unopened iPads and caused hundreds of pounds of damage to the property.

Headteacher Stephen Pritchard-Jones said : "This is a school that caters for the most vulnerable young people in Walsall and is at the heart of the community, the equipment stolen and the damaged caused has disrupted the education of young people who don't attend a mainstream school because of social, emotional, ASD, pregnancy or other medical issues.

"The sad thing is the items stolen are the only iPads we had and we cannot afford to replace them. Although police have been notified, they are unwilling to investigate the crime."

He said officers had told him there was no forensic evidence to take it further.

West Midlands Police spokeswoman Deb Edmonds said police were investigating the theft, but added: "Officers have been unable to find any CCTV covering the theft and there was no forensic evidence to help with the investigation.

"Local second shops have been visited in a bid to trace the stolen items, but so far they have not been located."

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101. The incident happened at around 6.20pm on July 17.

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