When Computers Ditch School

Classroom computers enhance learning and open new worlds to students. Unfortunately, a growing number of thieves also are finding those computers valuable--for illicit profits. In the Los Angeles Unified School District alone, which suffers more than 3,000 break-ins annually, about $16 million in computer equipment has been lost to burglars and vandals over the past three years. Schools are particularly easy targets because computers often are left in classrooms without the simple precautions that could thwart all but the most determined thief.

Classroom break-ins have always been a problem, but the temptation of computers and their peripherals has raised the stakes. And stolen equipment often is not replaced because the district no longer insures itself against vandalism and theft. District officials say they can’t afford to wire more rooms with alarms or put more school police on night patrol--a penny-wise, pound-foolish outlook. Supporters of a $2.4-billion bond measure proposed for the November ballot suggest that some of the money could be used to outfit more classrooms with security devices. But passage of the measure, which would tax homeowners an average of $75 a year each, is not a sure thing. Meanwhile, much can be done right now.

For instance, many of the computers are purchased with money raised by students and parents. Why not buy one or two fewer computers and spend the rest on alarms or better locks? Nine computers that stay in the classroom are far more useful than 10 that are stolen. Of course, even if every classroom at every school was outfitted with proper security, occasional crimes would still occur. That’s been the case in Orange County. But since most of these crimes are believed to be committed by amateurs--youngsters with a grudge or addicts looking for drug money--a blaring alarm and strong locks would scare away many.

After a string of break-ins at Vaughn Next Century Learning Center in Pacoima, principal Yvonne Chan dipped into her school’s discretionary funds for an infrared alarm system and private security guards. She also formed a neighborhood patrol to keep an eye on the campus. That kind of independent action is what’s needed. No one likes to spend precious educational money on mundane things like locks and alarms, but in this case it’s foolish not to.