The suspects were captured by surveillance cameras at Hart High School. Investigators said both suspects were seen wearing dark, baggy clothing and beanies. They may also be responsible for burglaries at Sierra Vista Junior High School, Old Orchard Elementary School and Newhall Elementary School. In two of the surveillance photos, the suspects have similar descriptions.
Detectives said the burglaries happened last week while students were out of school for spring break. The suspects also ransacked offices and classrooms.
"Each of these burglary incidents occurred in the nighttime hours," said sheriff's Dep. Josh Dublin. "Forced entry was made into each of the schools. Besides the office and other parts of the school being ransacked, items were stolen. Some of the items that were stolen were laptop computers, televisions, cellphones, cash, resulting in tens of thousands of dollars in loss."
School officials said the effects of the burglaries run deeper than money.
"There are two costs here that we're talking about. One is the monetary cost for replacement, repair of trashed offices. For no reason they were trashed. But the other is the psychological cost of security and safety for our staff and our kids. Sometimes that just feels worse than the money," said Marc Winger, the superintendent of the Newhall School District.
Anyone with information on the burglaries was asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS.
