Vandals Break Into Franklin Elementary

Franklin Elementary School was burglarized twice in two days last week, said police, who are still looking for the culprits.

Santa Barbara police responded to the school at 1111 Mason St. at 5:45 a.m. on February 29 on an audible alarm call and arrived to find the school had been broken into and “interrupt[ed] an apparent burglary/vandalism” according to the police report. Several computers had been taken from their desks and it appeared to officers they were going to be removed before the vandals were interrupted. Additionally, vulgarities and a swastika were found graffitied on walls and a fire extinguisher had been used in several rooms, destroying many items. Damages totaled roughly $1,000 while $410 in items was stolen.

The next day at about 2:31 a.m., police responded to another audible alarm at the school. The break-in had similar circumstances as the previous morning, according to the police report. Drawers and cupboards in the nurse’s office had been rummaged through, although nothing appeared missing. Police estimate there is $200 in damage.

No one was apprehended and police have no suspects in the two incidents. Because of the similarities in circumstances, police believe the two break-ins are related. School officials have contacted employees warning them of possible identity theft issues, as many items were stolen, including monthly time reports with names and social security numbers. Eric Smith, deputy superintendent of the School District, recommended in a letter that employees place a fraud alert on their credit filed in case any suspicious activity arises.

Anyone with information of the vandalism and theft should call Santa Barbara police at (805) 568-2300.