Three arrested in North York school break-ins
Toronto police have arrested three minors in connection with a destructive back-to-school break-in at a North York school.
On the evening on Sept. 2, before the start of this school year, it is alleged that three suspects broke into St. Gabriel Catholic School by shattering a glass door.
The damage did not stop there as several computers were smashed and a fire extinguisher was discharged within the premises. In total the ordeal caused $20,000 in damages. Several items were also stolen from the school’s music class although $1,000 worth of instruments have been recovered by police.
“As a result of the police investigation to this point two 16-year-old boys were arrested and they will be facing charges of break and enter to commit, mischief over, theft under, and possession of property obtained by crime,” said Constable Tony Vella. “We’re also looking for a 17-year-old boy.”
The majority of the damage was cleaned up before the new school year began but the library had to be closed for the first week of school. St. Gabriel teaches about 350 children from kindergarten to grade 8. Many students have had to deal with a lack of computers due to the incident.
“There was a lot of damage to computer equipment,” said Emmy Milne, communications manager for the Catholic District School Board. “My understanding is that some of the ones that are still out for repair have not been brought back so they are making due with what equipment they have that is working.”
Anyone with information is asked to call 32 division police at 416-808-3200 or call anonymously at 416-222-TIPS.
