by Krystal Paco

Guam - Security cameras weren't enough to deter thieves from stealing iPads, Macbooks, and a librarian's desktop computer from Simon Sanchez High School over the weekend.

"We have security cameras but not in all areas of the school," explained assistant principal Melvin Finona, who told KUAM News that the technology was purchased thanks to the school's librarian Sudi Napalan after she successfully garnered $10,000 in Macy's grant money last year to promote literacy and e-books. "She secured grants through Macy's twice now for $10,000 and she used that grant money to purchase this equipment, which now the kids can't use," he said.

It was just last week we reported a dramatic decline in school breakins due to changes in custodial hours from day shifts to evening shifts as well as stronger patrol from village mayors. But that wasn't enough to deter the crime on the Yigo campus, either.

And while lawmakers discussed Bill 1, which proposes to procure, install and maintain security cameras for all DOE schools in session yesterday and today, recurring breakins to schools already secured by surveillance equipment is evidence more must be done.

DOE deputy superintendent for assessment and accountability Rob Malay said, "They don't have cameras that cover every angle obviously and what this tells us is that there's a need to enhance or augment what's already in place and if we're able to do that perhaps we'll be able to prevent these types of things not just at Simon Sanchez but at all our schools."

If you have any information about these latest breakins, you are urged to call Guam Crimestoppers at 477-HELP (4357).