5 Youths Arrested in Thefts at Schools

Glendale police have arrested five La Crescenta youths, ages 14 to 17, who they believe are responsible for more than $30,000 in thefts from schools.

Police made the arrests during a 5-day period beginning last Thursday.

Four of the boys were arrested on suspicion of burglary for allegedly stealing computer equipment, videocassette recorders and office equipment from four schools, Officer Steve Darensbourg said. A 14-year-old was arrested on suspicion of receiving stolen property, he said.

The burglaries took place between April and June at Monte Vista and Lincoln elementary schools, Rosemont Junior High School and Crescenta Valley High School, all in La Crescenta, said Officer Lief Nicolaisen.

Most Equipment Recovered

Most of the equipment was recovered either in the suspects’ homes or from someone who bought it, Darensbourg said.

“These kids knew what they were doing,” he said. “They know how to do it and they’re very good at it. . . . At one of the schools, they attempted to use a blowtorch to open one of the doors. They were skilled in removing louver windows and they were teaching the methods to one another as they went along.”

Officers arrested the youngsters after receiving a tip, Darensbourg said.

One suspect is 17, three are 16 and the youngest is 14, Darensbourg said. Because the suspects are minors, their names were not released. Three of the youngsters attended Crescenta Valley High School and two attended Allan F. Daily Continuation School.

The four younger suspects have been released to their parents. The 17-year-old is still in custody, police said.