Thefts reported at Deerfield-Windsor School Lower Campus

ALBANY — Officials with the Dougherty County Police Department and Deerfield-Windsor School are hoping information will come forward regarding recent thefts that have taken place at Deerfield’s lower campus on Beattie Road.

Lt. Chad Kirkpatrick with the DCPD said the most recent incident took place in the early hours of Tuesday. In that theft, a storage shed on the property was entered and a drill, a bucket of assorted tools and a cooler were taken.

The school building was also entered, from which a projector and several flash drives were taken from the computer lab, Kirkpatrick said.

In an earlier incident, about three weeks ago, Apple iPads were stolen from the same computer lab. Following the earlier incident, a surveillance camera was put in the room, allowing for images to be taken of the suspects from Tuesday’s incident, Kirkpatrick said.

There are no leads as of Wednesday afternoon, but based on the images investigators have, Kirkpatrick said officers are looking for two black males, both appearing to be teenagers, who were wearing masks and gloves.

In terms of monetary value, about $460 of property was taken from the shed and $600 worth was taken from the school in the second theft, while about $4,000 worth of equipment was taken from first, Kirkpartick said.

Cary Stoudenmire, director of the lower campus, said some extra security measures have recently been put in place aside from the camera in the computer lab, with some additional methods still under discussion. Extra lighting, metal plates on doors and improvements to the window of the computer lab have been among some of the things put in as of late to deter thefts at the school.

Stoudenmire noted her disappointment that the campus had been targeted.

“We pride ourselves in being safe and secure here, and in providing a safe environment for our students,” she said. “We will continue to do everything we can to make sure that remains the case.

“We hope someone comes forward (with information on thefts).”

Given that the same computer lab was entered both times, it is possible both incidents are connected, Kirkpatrick said. Those with information are encouraged to call DCPD at (229) 430-6600, or the anonymous tipline Albany Area CrimeStoppers at (229) 436-TIPS (8477).