Caught on camera: 3 sought in burglaries at 2 Camden County schools

CAMDEN, N.J. (WPVI) -- Camden County police are releasing surveillance video of two break-ins - one at an elementary school, the other at the adjacent Early Childhood Development Center.

The burglars made off with an assortment of items. Police want them caught before the school year begins.

The young burglars used a rock to break a window and enter the Forest Hills School on Wildwood Avenue after the school was closed back on May 29. Surveillance cameras picked them up prowling the halls, looking for items to take.

"They're rummaging through the school and looking to break into certain areas. Certain items were stolen from there - laptops, some monies were taken from there," said Camden County Police Lt. Julio Rios.

Police put the suspects at between 18 and 20 years old. One of them has a distinctive walk. At times, one or both has his face covered.

"Based on the video and what you see on the video, the two suspects obviously knew what they were doing and what they were looking for," said Rios.

On Wednesday, Action News obtained surveillance video of a second, very similar break-in in July at the Early Childhood Development Center next door to the school. The suspect is holding what looks like a crowbar used to pry open the doors to gain entry.

"It shows one suspect. There's a lot of similarities in this particular video," said Rios.

In all, the suspects made off with laptops, money and a desktop computer - items the Camden School District may find difficult to replace.

"I think any school district that loses items of that nature would be hard-pressed to regain those things," said Rios.

Police are confident someone knows who those young men are. They may very well be from the neighborhood. If you can identify the suspects, contact the Camden County Police tip line.