School burglary suspects elude police

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The hunt is on for two people who have burglarized eight Williamson County schools throughout the past four months, starting in December. The burglaries all center along U.S. Highway 183.

The thieves pry their way into a locked door of the school and proceed to certain areas. Police said they are not taking computers or equipment but are getting away with very small amounts of cash and in some cases, nothing at all. Though the thieves are not walking away with much money, they are causing hundreds of dollars in repair work to doors and windows damaged during the break-in.

"They're gaining entry into the school," said Detective John Foster, with the Williamson County Sheriff's Office. "It's causing the property damage and then going into the school and from what we can figure they're looking for money. They'd be better off looking in their sofa cushion for the amount of money that they are getting."

Detectives from the Cedar Park and Leander police department and the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office joined their efforts to try and catch the criminals. They said they feel the suspects have studied the school buildings and security, striking when buildings are empty during the early morning and late-night hours.

Surveillance video recovered from McNeil High School shows the pair going through the hallways, wearing gloves and both covered in such a way that the camera is not able to determine the gender or race of the suspects.

"The only thing that they're going to be getting [when] they get caught [is] a free ride to jail and numerous charges," said Detective Foster.

Officials plan to charge the culprits with felony burglary charges. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Williamson County Sheriff's Office, the Cedar Park Police Department or the Leander Police Department. If you have any information on the suspect or suspects who are responsible for these burglaries, contact Williamson County CrimeStoppers at (800) 253-7867 or visit the Web site.

The following schools have been burglarized by these suspects:

Williamson County Jurisdiction

• McNeil H.S.
• Westwood H.S.
• Deer Park MS
• Blockhouse Elementary

Cedar Park PD Jurisdiction

• Running Brushy MS

Leander PD Jurisdiction

• Leander HS
• Leander MS
  
• Wiley MS

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