Thieves struck twice last week, once at the new North Lewis Elementary school under construction and again at the nearby old school, vacant and scheduled for demolition.

Twelve new 32-inch flat screen televisions awaiting classroom installation were stolen from the new building the night of June 5 by unknown individuals. In addition to the burglary of the new North Lewis Elementary, the former elementary nearby was robbed of an unknown amount of remaining copper.

Superintendent Dale Henderson reported the criminal activity at Wednes-day night’s meeting.

Advertisement

Henderson noted that ADT security service alarms had been installed but had not yet been activated. The alarm system has been activated since the robbery, he said, a decision made after consulting with M.D. Descant, the project’s contractors.

“We’ve asked the Sheriff’s Office to increase patrols around that area,” Henderson said. “I just wish we would catch them.”

Assistant Superintendent Michael Judice said he is frustrated at what appears to be a recurring problem.

“It seems that every new school we open, prior to us getting the ADT system set in place, we get some kind of theft,” Judice said. The stolen equipment was intended for use by teachers in conjunction with computers in the classroom.

“They’re used to project the computer images on a larger screen, for all the kids, and so the entire classroom can see,” he said. “These aren’t small monitors. They’re large 32-inch flat screens. It’s a shame that someone would do that to the students who need that equipment and we have to have it ready before the school opens in the fall.”

Judice said the two incidents currently are being investigated. A team from the Sheriff’s Office is investigating the robberies and has agreed to increase patrols around the area, as well as have officers moving around at the construction site.

“There is still a possibility of hiring security in the building or right outside,” Judice said. “Mr. Hender-son’s still considering that.”

Dan LeBlanc, Iberia Parish School Board president, said the value of the stolen items hasn’t yet been determined, but the loss of the new equipment would have to be addressed.

“Those items would be the responsibility of the School Board,” LeBlanc said. “We have insurance for that sort of thing, but I’m sure we have a deductible to pay.”

“It’s a shame because here you’re trying to do something good, to get equipment into the school system and things like this happen,” he said.