Disabled boy hashis iPad stolen

The device was used to communicate with his family and also contained irreplaceable family videos and pictures.

Between 7pm on Thursday April 16 and 10am on Tuesday April 21, a house in Burgh Hill, Etchingham, was broken into.

As well as the iPad, two large televisions, an Xbox 360 video games console, a pair of wireless headphones were stolen.

The iPad tablet is used by the family’s ten-year old son, who has a condition known as global development delay together with autism, and cannot speak.

His only form of ready communication with his family is via his use of a communication tool application known as Proloquo, on the iPad.

The stolen device is contained in a bulky black casing.

The boy’s mother Vicky Stuart said: “It is especially distressing as there are over three years of home videos and personal photo symbols built up on my son’s iPad which are not easily replaced, and without which his world is much more confusing. He is now more isolated than ever”.

Detective Constable Darren Jones of the East Sussex Priority Crime Team said: “If anyone has any information about this burglary, and in particular if you know about the iPad or any of the stolen items being offered for sale, please contact Sussex Police by emailing [email protected] or call 101, quoting serial 394 of 21/4.

“You can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”