CALIFORNIA COMPUTERS STOLEN FROM SCHOOLSBurglars steal computers from local schools - Hesperia StarBurglars steal computers from local schools
By BEAU YARBROUGH
Staff Writer

Four Hesperia schools have lost computers in a string of burglaries officials believe are the work of a single group of thieves.

Lime Street Elementary School, Sultana High School, Carmel Elementary School and Kingston Elementary School have all been hit in the burglaries, losing laptop or desktop computers to the thieves. All the schools burglarized have been on the east side of the Main Street overpass.

The crimes have all occurred since the 2005-2006 Hesperia Unified School District school year began on August 8.

“So we think there’s a connection with the students,” Chief Bob Mosley of the Hesperia Unified School District school police said Friday. “They see that Joe Teacher is leaving the laptop on the desk and locking the door at night.”

Locked doors are not an obstacle for the burglars, who have entered the burglarized classrooms by breaking their windows. Police have found evidence that the burglars have pressed their hands and faces up against the outside glass, looking in at the classrooms, presumably in an attempt to see computers inside.

The crimes have taken place between midnight and 4 a.m. and the burglars are playing Beat the Clock with security guards summoned by the alarms they trip.

“They know when they break in they have only so many minutes before security arrives,” Mosley said.

Approximately 10 computers have been stolen from school campuses so far. “We’re not talking about one person, we’re talking about several people,” Mosley said.

If you have any information on crimes on school property, contact the Hesperia Unified School District Police at 244-1091.