TIGARD, Ore. — Tigard investigators released surveillance footage on Thursday in hopes of tracking down a suspect accused of burglarizing a school building several times, dating back more than a year.
Police said on five different occasions, a man was caught on camera targeting the Tigard-Tualatin School District Resource Wing on Southwest Murdock. The wing houses the Caring Closet, where staff keep clothing for students in need, as well as the Family Resource Center and the district's Virtual Academy.
"We have had at least four or five different reports from the school district," said Kelsey Anderson with the Tigard Police Department. "At this point, the district and the police officers investigating are kind of to the point where they’re saying, 'This keeps happening over and over and we would like to be able to take, proactive action to stop it from continuing.'"
The dates and cases of the break-ins are as follows, according to Tigard police:
- On Sept. 9, 2024 between 3:15–5:30 a.m.: A man broke a window, crawled inside the building and stole clothing and shoes.
- On Sept. 9, 2024: Someone broke a window on a porch.
- On Aug. 5, 2024 at 3:20 a.m.: A man broke into the building, rummaged through offices and damaged cabinets, then stole various items including two laptops. In this case, the man left the stolen property nearby and it was recovered before he could return.
- On Dec. 28, 2023: A man broke into the building and stole speakers.
- On Dec. 9, 2023 at 4:45 a.m.: Someone broke a window and items inside were moved around, but it’s unclear whether anything was stolen.
"For somebody to break in and steal office equipment, that’s hurtful enough, but to target those items that are specifically set aside for students who need them — I think that makes that even worse," Anderson said.
Investigators said the school district has added additional security measures, including more motion detectors and other deterrents in an effort to stop this from happening again.
Anyone who recognizes the suspect is encouraged to contact Tigard Police by emailing tips@tigard-or.gov or calling 503-718-COPS. You can remain anonymous.