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Alarms sound as four Nanaimo elementary schools broken into on the same night

Incidents occurred in early morning hours Monday, Feb. 14
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Nanaimo RCMP seek information from the public after a string of break-ins at Nanaimo-Ladysmith district schools early Feb. 14. (Black Press file)

Laptop computers and audio-visual equipment was stolen in a string of break-ins at Nanaimo-area schools yesterday morning.

According to a Nanaimo RCMP press release, a series of alarms were activated between 2:30 and 4 a.m. Monday, Feb. 14.

Police were called to Coal Tyee Elementary School after a security officer saw a person running away from the school carrying a backpack, which was eventually dropped, said the press release. A number of laptops were found inside the backpack and two other laptops were located with the assistance of RCMP police dog Luthor and his handler.

Four other laptops, two projectors and two portable Bluetooth speakers are still missing, said the press release. Police believe the suspect gained entry to the school by prying open a door.

An alarm was triggered at Departure Bay Elementary School at 3:30 a.m. and two portable radios, which had ‘Stella’ and ‘Natasha’ stickers, and three HP Elite Book laptops were reported missing by staff. It is not known how access was gained to the school, say police.

Forest Park Elementary was broken into, again with an exterior door pried open, but nothing appears to have been stolen, said police. Cilaire Elementary saw an alarm activated, but as it is boarded up during seismic upgrade work, it is not known if access to the school was gained.

Police are asking anyone with information to please contact them at 250-753-2345.

“These incidents are most likely related and carried out by the same people with access to a vehicle,” Const. Gary O’Brien, Nanaimo RCMP spokesperson, said in the press release. “If anyone heard anything or saw anything that could be considered suspicious between 2-4 a.m. at any of these schools, please call the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line.”

READ ALSO: Vandals break a dozen windows at Nanaimo school


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