Deh Gah Elementary and Secondary School reported a break-in and several pieces of electronics stolen, however the school is expected to open for students on Aug. 31, as scheduled.
Several photos of the incident were posted on the school's Facebook page. The images depict broken windows in doors inside the school.
photo courtesy of Facebook
Julie Plourde, media relations officer with the Northwest Territories RCMP, confirmed in an email that a police report was filed on Aug. 14 about the alleged break and enter.
The incident was believed to have happened between 10 p.m. on Aug. 13 and 9 a.m. Aug. 14.
"Fort Providence RCMP attended the scene and started an investigation. Entry was gained to the school by breaking a window," Plourde stated. "Several classrooms inside the school were entered and several electronic items were stolen."
As of Aug. 24 there was no suspect and the investigation was ongoing.
Since the incident, the school has been put under surveillance and the broken glass has either been replaced or boarded up.
Deh Gah principal Angela Mary Griffin declined comment when reached by NNSL Media on Aug. 22. The Facebook post states that among the items stolen were five digital cameras, two laptops and a neon orange hammer – an item used to help with the break-in.
photo courtesy of Facebook
"After a bingo, as was held yesterday evening (Aug. 13) at the school, all proceeds are immediately delivered to the winners and what little remains is removed from school premises," the social media post states.
"It will cost over $2,000 to replace the broken windows and at least another $8,000 to replace what was stolen. The electronics were old and will fetch little at a pawn shop or in a private sale."
The post estimated that the school will likely pay hundreds of dollars for a new camera to replace a digital camera that was taken.
"We will endeavour to replace what was stolen in order to facilitate curriculum for Deh Gah students this year," the post states. "Each time someone breaks into the school, vandalizes the property and/or steals from the school, they are robbing the children of Fort Providence of their education and their future."
Blood on scene
Some blood was left on scene and samples have been turned over to the RCMP for analysis.
It's believed that the person who forced their way inside the school gained entry through the gymnasium door that was left propped open by a crushed Pepsi can from the bingo event.
photo courtesy of Facebook
"All gym activities have now been suspended for the entire community until further notice," the post states.
"I hope the $100 the perpetrators will get for their stolen goods is worth the pain caused to the youth of their community. I also hope you sleep well at night."