Cleveland ISD bus bar mechanics arrived at work over the weekend, only to discover 10 buses wouldn’t start.
Someone lifted 20 batteries after cutting through the fence and evading surveillance cameras.
“There are two batteries per bus, and these aren’t like the small car batteries. These are large full size heavy duty batteries,” said Chief Rick Evans, of Cleveland ISD police.
Each battery comes with a replacement cost of $100.00 at a time when the district can ill afford it.
“We’re trying to get everything else ready,” said Maintenance Director Eddie Hoagland. “Air conditioners and all the major upgrades on the buses to get them going — getting ready for the new school year.”
“I think it’s pretty pathetic that somebody would in all actuality steal from children,” said Chief Evans. “The buses are the only way for children to get to school and get back home, and you’re taking from them.”
The district is reaching out to the public, offering a reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction.
This is not the first incident of this happening in the area. For the past month several districts have been hit along the I-69/US 59 corridor.
Over the past month busses have been hit for battery thefts in Shepherd, Corrigan and Livingston. In addition Peter’s Tractor in Livingston was targeted.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Department says they are investigating two recent crimes in which a large amount of vehicle batteries were taken, and they’re asking local recycle yards to keep an eye out for people trying to cash them in.
According to investigators, the first incident occurred on Wednesday, May 22nd, when it was discovered that the batteries were stolen out of the entire fleet of school busses at the Goodrich Independent School District bus barn.
Investigators said it is believed that the suspect or suspects may have taken the batteries to nearby recycle yards for quick cash due to the high prices paid for the batteries.
Polk County investigators say it happened again on Tuesday, May 28th when deputies investigated an incident where 27 batteries were stolen out of equipment at Peters Tractor & Equipment Company, located in Livingston.
Polk County investigators say if you have any information on the crimes, you’re asked to contact them, or your local law enforcement agency.
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