Toledo burglary loss estimated at $16,000

The extent of items lost during a break-in at the Toledo School District maintenance shed was itemized during the District Board meeting Thursday night.

More than $16,000 in tools and equipment are estimated to have been stolen the weekend of Jan. 19, varying between two pickups and $3,780 in copper pipe; to wire snips, engine oil, leather gloves and Ruf Duck rain gear.

“It was not raining, but they took the rain gear,” said Superintendent Sharon Bower to the board, stating officials were able to compile an accurate list due to the diligent organization of maintenance staff prior to the break-in.

The only item recovered so far has been a 1994 Ford F150, valued at $3,100, found stuck in the mud on a nearby logging road, which Bower reported will start but will not drive at this time. The other pickup, a 1988 Chevrolet valued at $500, has been written off as a loss.

Bower said the theft of the vehicles and equipment, though a considerable setback for district operations, will not pose a large financial hindrance, as their deductible for the entire loss will be $1,000. It was also reported Lincoln Creek Lumber, based in Centralia, has offered to provide donations and discounts to the district after hearing about the burglary, and has been in touch with maintenance staff to determine what needs to be replaced.

In the mean time, the district has taken extra security measures at the shed to prevent future break-ins, and local law enforcement are following up on a “very strong lead,” according to Bower.