Mt. Vernon Register-News

Local

August 28, 2008

MVTHS break-in caught on security tape

By TESA CULLI

tesa.culli@register-news.com

MT. VERNON — A weekend break-in at Mt. Vernon Township High School was caught on security tape, and MVTHS Superintendent Terry Milt said he considers it a good thing that the only item taken was a microwave from the cafeteria.

“He tried several doors and windows before he got in,” Milt said. “We were able to track him on the security tapes. When he got in, he was in here about half an hour. That tells me that all the classrooms, all the doors and rooms were locked if during that time, all he was able to get was a microwave.”

Milt himself discovered the break-in Sunday morning, but he didn’t immediately know the microwave was missing until Monday morning when staff reported it was gone.

This is the second time the campus has been the target of theft this year, with the first being eight library tables and chairs taken from F Building in June. Milt said over the summer, hardware on doors has been changed and the buildings made more secure.

“We’re not going to be able to eliminate everything,” Milt said. “Yes, the doors need replaced, yes, we need to update the alarms and cameras. If you can find the money to do it, then we can, but the money’s not there.”

Milt said that a double set of older, wooden doors costs about $4,000 to replace.

“And that’s one doorway,” Milt said.

Milt said he doesn’t expect the 10-year Life, Health and Safety report that is being conducted by FGM Architects to place door replacement and security measures high enough to receive funding either. Milt explained projects in the final report are prioritized as needing to be done immediately, ones that are of secondary importance, but need to be started as soon as possible, and those which are needed, but not of immediate concern.

“Let’s face it, this campus is what it is,” Milt said. “It’s open and there are a lot of doorways and entrances.”

Milt said he has seen people wander throughout the campus after school hours, on weekends, and late at night, as well as vehicles cut through alleyways between buildings. A recent auction on the campus had the school hiring extra security for items left outside overnight, and Milt said between midnight and 3 a.m., people were seen not only wandering around on the campus, but stopping and watching the area where the auction items were located.

Security cameras not only tracked this weekend’s burglar as he went from door to door and window to window to find a way to gain entry to the school building, but him leaving the campus as well, Milt said.

Police are conducting the investigation into the burglary.

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