Police are investigating recent break-ins at multiple Lompoc elementary schools that led to a big loss that school officials say is affecting students on their first day of school.
Both Fillmore and Hapgoood elementary schools were found with broken glass, food, and trash on the floor as well as stolen computers and supplies over the weekend.
"These are our children we are supposed to be looking out for. These are our kids that we are supposed to be making sure succeed and to steal from them, that makes me completely sad," said Melanie Johnson, parent.
In a statement, district officials said, “This is devastating news. We worked very hard over the summer to obtain enough computers and have them delivered and ready for kids to start school on Monday."
Johnson says she was lucky enough to grab the materials her children needed before the vandalism took place.
The district says it is working diligently to try and re-order needed supplies, but with the uptick in demand due to virtual learning, officials say it might take a while.
"I don't understand why it hurts all of our children. We are a small community. Lompoc is not that big and it hurts everybody," Johnson said.
The Lompoc Police Department says damage is estimated at about $2,000 but that number is expected to go up as they continue to investigate.
Anyone with information on the break-ins and vandalism is asked to contact Lompoc police.
