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Two schools in Buckeye broken into, police looking for suspects

Posted at 4:12 PM, Jul 10, 2017
and last updated 2017-07-10 23:09:33-04

Either current or former students are likely behind a string of break-ins at two Buckeye schools, according to police.

Since June 19th, Buckeye police responded to three school break-ins. The first one took place at Sundance Elementary School, where a representative from the City of Buckeye told ABC15 someone stole a tablet, two cell phones and a camera from a city-run summer camp taking place at the school. Around the same time, police believe the same intruders broke into Youngker High School on June 19, where they were caught on camera. Surveillance cameras caught two people inside Youngker High School again on July 3. According to police, the suspects took their time while inside the school.

"That's what we found pretty odd," said Buckeye Police Sgt. Jason Weeks. "Why are they spending two or three hours in each one of these schools?"

Police believe all three break-ins are connected. According to Buckeye police, the intruders forced their way into Youngker High School on one occasion, and apparently used a key on another. The break-ins took place between the hours of midnight and 6 a.m., according to police.

"They were going through, they're walking up and down the hallways, they're going in and out of certain classrooms, that's how we know they had a key this last time," Weeks said. "They went into the cafeteria and they're going through cabinets, so we're not too sure what they are looking for or what they did take."

Based on their apparent knowledge of how to move around the High School, police believe the suspects are likely either current or former students. Police hope someone comes forward and identifies the suspects.

One mother who lives in Buckeye told ABC15 it's unfortunate anyone would target a school.

"It did look like teenagers, so maybe people who need money," said neighbor Cierra Hedges. "There's other ways to get money, work hard for it."

On Monday, Superintendent Eric Godfrey with the Buckeye Union High School District released the following statement:

The Buckeye Union High School District is working in conjunction with the Buckeye Police Department on an investigation into the recent break-ins at Youngker High School in Buckeye. At this time, the only details available are from the Buckeye Police Department. The school district is cooperating fully with the Buckeye Police Department to help identify the intruders and to determine exact damages and/or lost items to evaluate the appropriate course of action.

At this time, any further questions should be directed to the Buckeye Police Department.

Buckeye police are also looking for a tan-colored pickup truck with an American flag attached to a pole. They believe that vehicle is possibly connected to one of the break-ins.