Thieves Steal Over $20,000 In Computers From Elementary School

RIVERSIDE (CBSLA.com) — Two thieves struck hard at an elementary school in the Inland Empire on Sunday morning.

Bryant Elementary School in Riverside reports that the thieves captured on camera made off with more than $20,000 in computer equipment.

"It's twisted. It's sick, and I don't know how they sleep at night, knowing that they just stole from a bunch of little kids," parent Christine Osterhold said.

Some 30 Samsung tablets, valued at about $25,000, appeared to be the primary target.

"They stole the whole tower, the whole thing, and now the kids are missing out on learning experiences, and fun ways to learn," Osterhold said.

The thieves, both of whom are males, gained access to the school at about 3:30 a.m. Sunday by slicing through a fence and breaking into a classroom window.

Riverside Unified School District's Jacquie Paul says the stolen tablets were crucial for the students.

"They use them all day long for math, reading," Paul described. "This is part of our districtwide personalized learning program to get students more engaged in learning, so it really does affect their learning. So when someone comes in here and steals this, it's not just 'stuff.' It's taking learning from our kids."

Police are looking for tips, anonymous or otherwise, while the district says it is not clear whether the tablets will be replaced.