Santa Clarita Detectives Investigating Burglary, Vandalism At Pinetree

Posted by: Perry Smith in Sulphur Springs School District July 30, 2014 - 1:49 pm 0 490 Views

Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station detectives are investigating a July 22 report of vandalism and burglary at Pinetree Community Elementary School, officials said Wednesday.

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Six iPads were taken, a set of master keys was stolen and several doors were vandalized, according to Lynn David, assistant superintendent of business services for the Sulphur Springs School District.

“The break-in was in the early morning hours,” David said. “It was discovered when our custodian came on campus — and then he reported it to district personnel and law enforcement.”

Based on security footage, it appears the vandals jumped a fence to gain access to the campus, and then forced their way into several rooms on the campus at 29156 Lotusgarden in Canyon Country.

“They used force to gain entry, which did create damage to the doors and surrounding walls,” David said. “They damaged the door itself and the locks.”

Because a set of master keys was stolen, all of the locks on campus are being replaced, David said.

“We have a vast majority of the repairs done already,” she added.

A Sheriff’s Station detective said officials are investigating evidence submitted to the Detectives Bureau.

A detective met with the school’s principal Tuesday to review evidence and discuss the case.

“We do have insurance that covers losses to make sure we have our schools back in order,” David said, although she said school officials are still determining the total value of the damage to the campus and the subsequent cost of repairs.

District officials are focused on making sure the vandalism is taken care of by the time children and their teachers return to the school Aug. 14, she said.

“That’s the most disappointing thing — schools tend to be sacred to most people, because the objective is to help children and this directly affects children,” she said. “Of course, staff is disappointed.”

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station at 661-255-1121.

Anyone wishing to provide information anonymously can call “Crime Stoppers” by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), or texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.

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