Now iPads are thrown into prisons

TABLET computers are being smuggled into prisons by friends of inmates who simply toss them over unguarded perimeter fences.

An inspection report has revealed the likes of Apple and Samsung tablets are the latest contraband to hit prisons.

It comes as illegal mobile phones and drug packages smuggled in by drones are already causing chaos in Britain’s jails.

The report by HM Inspectorate of Pris- ons (HMIP) found that officials were struggling to guard HMP Haverigg – a category C male training prison in an isolated area of West Cumbria – because its perimeter fence is so long.

The assessment said: ‘The greatest threats to security were phones and drugs. During 016, a large quantity of banned items had been thrown over the perimeter fence, including computer tablets.’ It added that on several occasions intruders had breached the perimeter fence ‘to get closer to residential units’.

Chief Inspector of Prisons Peter Clarke said: ‘The long, rural and therefore vulnerable perimeter added to the problem of drugs at the establishment, and we were shown the evidence of some significant finds.’ However HMIP noted steps had been taken to tackle this, such as installing fence cladding.

The availability of electronic devices in prisons has emerged as a major problem in recent years. Figures published by the Ministry of Justice last month revealed that 13,000 mobile phones and 7,000 sim cards were recovered in jails last year.