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After Burglary At West Philly Elementary School, FOP Donates iPads, Offers Reward

By Steve Tawa

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The union representing city police officers is joining detectives in helping a Catholic elementary school in West Philadelphia crack a burglary case, while replacing its stolen computers.

Co-Principal Rosemary Haenn of the St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish Elementary School on North 43rd Street, near Fairmount Avenue, says the thief or thieves stole 30 iPads and 4 laptops, following a basketball game on the last day of classes on June 10th.

"From the outside there was no forced entry. There's a lot of theories on whether somebody hid out, or somebody let someone in and didn't pay attention."

Some indoor locks and chains were cut off, and the burglar broke the lock on the cart holding the iPads, taking the time to remove each from its case.

Fraternal Order of Police President John McNesby says the union has replaced 20 iPads, so far.

"And also pledge a $5,000 reward," said McNesby.

He thinks it's pretty low for someone - potentially from the neighborhood - to steal from their own.

"Not the arrest and conviction. You come in and tell us who it is, and you're paid today. If somebody locally did this, give them up, because they'll do it again."

Southwest Detectives Lieutenant John Walker says if folks recently bought one off the street in that neighborhood, there's a good chance it was hot.

"They probably sold for a very cheap price. People should turn them back in," said Walker.

Co-Principal Sr. Owen Bonner says the 165 Pre-K through 4th graders need those devices.

"For reading, math. Learning how to use technology. They have games on them, but it was really for curriculum based materials," said Bonner.

 

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