CALLOUS thieves have smashed through the wall of Culcheth Primary School to steal thousands of pounds worth of iPads.

The equipment, which was worth around £10,000, was stolen from the school’s ICT suite following a break-in at 10pm yesterday, Thursday.

Thieves managed to steal 72 mini iPads which were stored in three charging cases.

Police have confirmed that the school alarm was triggered at 9.50pm with the security company arriving at the scene at 10.10pm.

On arrival, security officers discovered the hole in the wall and that the electronics had been taken.

The iPads had been stored in a secure room which had bars on the windows and a steel door as well as an alarm system in operation.

Head teacher Amanda Dodd said she was shocked by the burglary but added that she has refused to let the thieves ‘beat them’.

She said: “We thought the room was secure but the police have said that it looks like it could have been a professional job.

“We are not going to beaten by this and we are still open as usual.

“We need to stand up to this kind of behaviour and work together as a community.”

This is not the first time the school on Warrington Road has been targeted this month.

Thieves also tried to break-in through the roof of the school on Tuesday, March 17, at 10pm.

Damage was caused to the roof but it is not believed the culprits entered the building or that any property was taken.

This is the latest in a spate of burglaries and attempted burglaries at schools in the east of Warrington where computer and electrical equipment have been taken.

Newchurch Primary School and Culcheth High School have both been targeted in recent months.

Inspector Keith Logan said: “We are determined to catch those involved and will carry out a robust investigation into these offences.

“These are a series of offences which are of particular concern as the items stolen will have a direct impact on the education of pupils attending these schools.

“We are asking for the public’s help in catching those involved and urge anyone with information to come forward.”

Anyone with information is urged to call Cheshire Police quoting incident number 994 of March 26 on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.