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Schools are targets of theft
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Posted on Feb 25 1999
Both private and public schools in the CNMI have become easy targets of break-ins and robberies.
During the Christmas break, two classrooms of San Vicente School lost a separate set of TV/VCR, and robbers had the nerve to extend the “Merry Christmas” greetings written on the chalkboard.
Last month, two classrooms were forced open where a brand new Karaoke and compact disc were stolen.
“Even the CNMI flag was stolen from the pole,” according to the school paper.
School principal Martha Haberman said just this weekend while hosting the Little League, children were already spotted trying to get fish from the pond while breaking one of the school lights.
Other schools which also became victims of robbery are Marianas High School and Tanapag Elementary School.
Last Friday, the Department of Public Safety received report from Saipan Community School on burglary.
According to principal Ron Smith, nine air conditioners that were still in the box were stolen from the school’s multi-purpose center which is currently under construction.
Sources from the Public School System blamed these incidents to the on-going austerity program which shortened the working hours of security guards to 40 hours.
The DPS is also saying the same thing, pointing to the tight money situation which forced people to steal.
Since San Vicente had reported these incidents to DPS and no robber has been named yet, the school appeals help from the community.
“… let us instill in them (children) the respect for government property,” it said. “When you steal from our school, these are materials and equipment that could have helped your brother, sister, cousins, perhaps even your own children prepare themselves for the challenges of the future.”
