A HEADTEACHER has said he is “sick- ened” after thieves stole £37,000 worth of pupils’ iPads from his school.

Thieves broke into Hove Park School in Hangleton Way, Hove, some time between Friday night and Saturday midday and stole the 152 iPads.

The machines, which were in storage, were intended for new pupils starting at the school in September.

Headteacher Derek Trimmer said: “We are sickened that criminals should target the school in this way.

“We are working with police to further the investigation as quickly as possible and apprehend the criminals.”

Sussex Police is appealing for informa- tion following the break-in which happened sometime after 9pm on Friday.

A spokeswoman said: “Police would like to hear from anyone who saw any vehicles or people acting suspiciously in the Hangleton area during the time, or if they have any information to contact police.”

Officers are looking into the possibility those involved were former pupils who had some connection with the city school.

It is believed whoever took the electrical goods would have had a good knowledge of the school layout and where the equipment was being stored.

Mr Trimmer, who is largely credited with bringing about huge improvements at the school in the last few years, introduced iPads for every pupil back in March last year.

They are used for both classwork and homework with pupils able to watch videos of their work being marked by teachers while at the same time getting feedback.

They are also designed to enable parents to be more involved in what is hap- pening and the work being done by their children.

Mr Trimmer said at the time he wanted to ‘change the way teaching was approached’.

He said the iPads would enable pupils to engage with future employers and be confident with modern technologies.

Det Con Richard Valder- Davis said: “We would like to hear from anyone that may have heard about this burglary being planned or has any information about where the iPads are now.

“It is likely that the offenders knew the school layout and the area the equipment was being stored.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or email 101@sus- sex.pnn.police.uk, quoting serial 650 of 21/6. Alternatively, call the independ- ent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.