An Ocean Beach school for special needs children was burglarized for the second time in less than a year, leaving school administrators appalled over what was taken this time.
The Pioneer Day School for intellectually disabled students has security cameras, chain link and wood fences, even an alarm system. But that did not stop thieves from breaking in and stealing a six-seater Surrey Bike on Wednesday.
The bike is about the size of a small car.
It would cost around $6,000 to replace the bicycle but the value to the students at the school is far greater. The bicycle wasn't just a mode of transportation from one place to another, but transformation for the disabled students who looked forward to riding it, according to Program Director Cynthia Fajardo.
She said the bicycle was used for “physical fitness, group activity participation, motivation and access to the community" by the school.
Fajardo said she is dumbfounded over the theft.
“Unless you are pretty heartless, you kind of have to think it's a very difficult thing to fathom. Who would take a bike from a program for students with special needs who use it every day?," Fajarda questioned.
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In February, thieves stole thousands of dollars in iPads, which were used by the students as a way to communicate.
“Some of our students use the iPads as a communication device, so temporarily that was not available to them,” Fajarda said.
Now, everything is under lock and key and inside the areas with security alarms. Classrooms are doubling up as a storage place for bikes overnight.
“It is very heartbreaking, I think for all of us here who are doing our absolute best to help our students succeed,” Fajarda said.
Fajarda said insurance and donations from the community were used to replace the stolen iPads.
But this time, the school is hoping whoever took the Surrey Bike will do the right thing and return it. And if someone sees it, they will contact authorities.
