Thieves steal catalytic converters from Chicago area school buses, prompt e-learning day
Thieves steal catalytic converters from Chicago area school buses
The catalytic converters on several school buses in the southwest suburbs forced an emergency e-learning day on Monday.
JOLIET, Ill. - The theft of catalytic converters from about 30 buses in a southwest suburban school district forced emergency remote learning on Monday.
The Troy School District 30-C said it had to institute an emergency e-learning day because the catalytic converters were stolen from about 90% of its bus fleet.
Massive theft
What we know:
Officials discovered the theft during a routine inspection of the buses.
Joliet police said the theft happened sometime between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m. Monday morning at the district's transportation lot at 5800 Theodore Street.
The suspect car was a dark-colored SUV last seen in the area of Riviera Boulevard and Leonard Drive shortly after 3 a.m. Police released a surveillance image of the suspect car.
The suspect car was a dark-colored SUV last seen in the area of Riviera Boulevard and Leonard Drive shortly after 3 a.m. Police released a surveillance image of the suspect car.
The theft rendered the majority of the buses inoperable despite "robust security measures," the district said. Such measures included surveillance cameras, enhanced lighting and secure fencing.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Tri County Auto Theft Task Force at [email protected] or by calling 815-724-4677.
They can also contact Will County Crime Stoppers at 800-323-6734 or at crimestoppersofwillcounty.org if they wish to remain anonymous.
What they're saying:
The district said it was in contact with its bus vendors to "expedite repairs and restore our bus fleet to full operational capacity at the earliest opportunity."
In a letter to parents, district officials said the vandalism occurred "despite the implementation of robust security measures, including surveillance cameras, enhanced lighting, and secure fencing."
The letter went on to say that they are "collaborating with Joliet Police and local authorities, conducting a thorough investigation and ensuring those responsible are brought to justice."
The Troy 30-C District serves about 3,900 students in pre-K through 8th grade from parts of Joliet, Shorewood, Channahon, Crest Hill, and unincorporated Troy Township.
What we don't know:
It was unclear exactly how many people may have been involved in the theft.
The district did not give a timeline for when bus service could be restored.