DeKalb schools look for bus battery thieves

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga.,None — Thieves have broken into school buses at two locations in DeKalb County to steal expensive batteries.

One bus driver, who didn't want to be identified, told Channel 2's Ryan Young the robbers caused a lot of destruction to the buses as well.

"Batteries missing, fire extinguishers are being sprayed, windows broken, roof hatches, they are climbing through the window," the bus driver said.

The latest target for thieves was at MLK High School off Snapfinger Road. Police said Sunday night thieves hit at least 14 buses there.

NewsChopper 2 flew over the school Monday afternoon after crews worked through the morning to get buses up and running.

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The school district said thieves stole "about three dozen batteries, about $5,000 to replace," Walter Woods, director of communication for DeKalb County Schools, said.

Right next door to the high school is Solid Rock AME Zion Church. Its pastor told Young he hopes the thieves give back the batteries.

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"Very discouraged. Any kind of destruction, especially when we are in this struggling economy in this area," Roe Nall said.

Batteries have also been ripped out of their locked boxes at Panthersville Stadium, but the district is moving fast in effort to stop the sale of the batteries.

"Every one has a DeKalb label. Even if they scrape it off, it would be clear it was taken. We have gone out to pawn and auto shops and said be on the lookout and we've caught people in the past with this method," Woods said.

WSBTV