Police recover disabled child's special equipment following burglary

A member of the public found Celyn's communication device in a bin. Credit: ITV West Country

The specialist equipment belonging to a disabled girl that was stolen by burglars have been recovered by police.

A member of the public found the Eyegaze communication device in a bin in Staple Hill on Tuesday night.

Officers from Avon and Somerset Police hope to return it to 13-year-old Celyn and her family today, Wednesday 8 November.

Her father, Mark Lawrence, told ITV West Country, a suction device that helps to clear Celyn's airwaves when she chokes, was also stolen.

The equipment was taken overnight Sunday 5 to Monday 6 November, after thieves used a stick through the cat-flap to unlock the door.

A man was arrested in connection with the burglary, on Tuesday afternoon, but was later released under investigation.

Police sent out a Neighbourhood Watch message while Crime Scene Investigators examined the property.

ITV West Country spoke to the family yesterday. Credit: ITV West Country

Police have shared the following tips to help people further protect their homes:

  • Lock up and set the alarm at night as well as when you go out

  • make sure your door is locked by turning the key – some 'paddle and stub'-handled doors might seem to be locked by lifting the handle, but can still be opened from outside

  • never leave the key in the lock or in sight of the letterbox

  • fit a letterbox cage

  • fit motion-sensing security lights around your property

  • keep tools locked up in a secure shed or garage

  • make sure garden furniture and wheelie bins can’t be moved to gain access to upstairs windows

Anyone can join or even set up a neighbourhood watch scene. More home security advice can be found here.

Anyone with information that could help the ongoing investigation can get in touch online, or by calling 101, quoting reference 5217253575.

Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.