Thieves steal laptops, iPads from elementary school

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Mobile police are investigating a burglary at a local elementary school.

The crooks made off with some very expensive equipment that have more than just a monetary value. 

School officials said the burglary happened over the weekend at Maryvale Elementary off Dauphin Island Parkway.

School System Facilities Manager Tommy Sheffield said the burglars stole about $12,000 worth of "different kinds of electronic devices, the iPads, the laptops, the kindle type notebooks."

About 12 items were stolen in all.

There were no signs of forced entry, and no surveillance video.

One expensive item that was taken is called a "Tap-It."

It's a big, durable, touch screen computer.

"Tap-It's" are especially valuable because they're used by special needs students.

Sheffield said, "It enhances their day-to-day skills like you wouldn't believe. Its amazing to see the skills they take out of the technology."

However, Sheffield did say the thieves may soon be in for a big surprise.

He said, "I'm not sure if you saw the article where the laptop devices were stolen from Baldwin County recently. Well, they had the tracking devices. And, we also have them. So, when you turn them on, we got you."