Batteries swiped from 12 school buses in Laveen

LAVEEN, AZ - Authorities are looking for the public's help after batteries were stolen from 12 school buses belonging to the Laveen School District.

The unknown suspects took a total of 36 batteries, described as Carquest brand 'Farm & Commercial' style, according to the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office.

The thefts took place some time between 5 p.m. Thursday and 4 a.m. Monday.

The buses were parked at the school district's secured lot near 51st Avenue and Dobbins Road in Laveen.

MCSO said in a news release that a chain link fence was cut to get access to the lot.

Damage to the buses and replacement cost of the batteries is estimated to be well over $3,000.

MCSO says the school district has been the target of a number of burglaries recently.

Karen Menge of the Laveen Elementary School District told ABC15 the buses have all been repaired and that buses ran about 45 minutes late on Monday.

The special education buses ran on a normal schedule as well as two of the seven school bus schedules.

School personnel were sent to bus stops to supervise students. There are 5,800 students in the school district.

School release will be at the regular time, Menge said.

Anyone with information about the thefts should contact the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office at 602-876-1011 and refer to report #12154432.