NORTH CAROLINA COMPUTERS STOLEN FROM SCHOOLSHobbton Break-Ins, Vandalism Under Investigation/5/2005 12:21:00 PM Email this article • Print this article
Hobbton Break-Ins, Vandalism Under Investigation

Jon Soles
Reporter
Thieves and vandals, probably one and the same, broke into mobile units at Hobbton schools, spraypainting mobile units and stealing electronic appliances worth thousands of dollars.

Sampson County Sheriff’s deputies are investigating break-ins to mobile units at Hobbton Elementary, Middle and High schools last week. Ten mobile units were broken into by burglars who pried open doors.

Hobbton High Principal Tommy Macon said someone spraypainted graffiti on the back of several mobile units at the high school. He said the spraypainted letters included initials, believed to represent Hobbton and Midway schools. Sponsors signs and the greenhouse were also spraypainted.

A total of about $5,000 worth of electronics items, including two laptops and two desk computers were stolen. A television and a DVD player were stolen from Hobbton Elementary and a stereo and DVD player were stolen from Hobbton Head Start.

Mr. Macon said it appears the vandals and thieves approached the school from woods behind the buildings. All three schools are side-by-side on U.S. 701 about 4 miles south of Newton Grove.

Mr. Macon said investigators have “one or two leads” in the incident. Some mobile units at the high school were broken into twice last week.

Mr. Macon said the mobile unit break-ins resemble a rash of break-ins at Lakewood High School a few years ago. Mr. Macon said the thieves who targeted Hobbton apparently knew the school.

“It appears someone knows the layout, be it a student or former student or whoever,” Mr. Macon said.

Mr. Macon said the thieves are likely stealing appliances to re-sell or pawn. He said he is disheartened by the break-ins, the second reported at Hobbton this year.

“You can’t imagine how upsetting and disheartening this is. It’s like someone breaking into your own home,” he said.

Earlier Break-In

In January, someone broke in a window to gain access to the main Hobbton High building. The thief, who was captured by video cameras, stole computers and projectors valued at more than $4,000. The thief stole the items from the agriculture department.

Although video footage recorded the suspect running down the school hallways, the thief had his face concealed by a T-shirt. The suspect was wearing baggy khaki pants, Timberland-type boots and a green jersey.

“We are not deterred by any type of vandalism. We are going to continue making Hobbton Schools the best they can be so kids can continue to get an education,” Mr. Macon said.