Vandals sought in break-in at elementary school in Hesperia

The search continues for a trio of vandals who broke into a Hesperia elementary school earlier this week and caused major damage.

The break-in took place about 2 p.m. Monday at Maple School of Innovation, 10616 Maple Ave., according to Principal Mike Ponce De Leon. School is out for spring break.

"Unfortunately, our campus was broken into and many items were destroyed. Items that are purchased for our students so we can provide them the best education possible," Ponce De Leon said in a video posted to social media. "Our community, our staff and students take such great pride in our school, and for individuals to come in and cause this kind of damage is disheartening."

The damage included broken windows and smashed desks along with destroyed TVs and other equipment. A dollar-value estimate of the damage was not available.

The principal urged community members to watch out for suspicious activities at or near the campus, as well as to contact authorities if they recognize the three boys or teens seen in the surveillance video.

"We will catch these people who look to bring down all the greatness we are doing on campus," Ponce De Leon said.

He thanked school staff who were working hard to make repairs and have the school ready for students to return on Monday. School administrators also thanked the local community for an "outpour of support" following the burglary.

"The relentless way you have all bonded together and used your voices to spread the word has made all the difference," school officials said in a written statement. "Thank you for the countless offers to help clean and replace items, along with all the words of encouragement. There is not a greater community than the one here at Maple."

Anyone with information was asked to contact the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department at (760) 956-5001. Tips may also be submitted anonymously to We-Tip at (800) 782-7463.

This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Vandals cause damage at Hesperia elementary school