"Burglars leave broken glass, blood"

"Burglars had the run of Langley Middle School early Friday morning when they broke into the three main buildings at the Camano Avenue campus.Fire District 3 firefighters were the first to discover the break-in when they responded at 1:15 a.m. to a fire alarm. According to Langley Police Chief Bob Herzberg, the burglars apparently discharged a fire extinguisher as they made their way through the school, which set off the alarm. The firefighters and police Officer Ryan Raulerson found that the burglars broke five windows and kicked in several doors during the break in. The criminals also jimmied locked drawers in the school’s main office and went through a number of desks.Herzberg said the burglars were probably looking for money. They passed up computers and other electronic equipment while ransacking the school. As of late Friday morning, school officials had not found anything of consequence to be missing, Herzberg said.Principal Greg Willis said school personnel had to work through the early morning hours to clean up the burglars’ mess before students arrived for class. The school held an open house for students and their parents on Thursday night, just hours before the break in.“We’re real disappointed,” said Willis.The criminals did leave some evidence behind. One of them apparently cut himself on one of the broken windows and dripped blood in the school. Herzberg said local residents should be on the lookout for anybody talking up a school burglary who also has a serious cut.“We’re real interested in talking to him,” Herzberg said.School district facilities manager Rick Pitt estimated the total damage at slightly less than $1,000.Anyone with information regarding the crime is encouraged to call the Langley Police Department at 221-4246."

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.