Several school buses burglarized for batteries

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. (WSVN) -- Several Broward County students were late to school on their first day back from vacation after more than a dozen school buses were burglarized.

The Broward Sheriff's Office said batteries from 16 school buses were taken from the Northwest bus terminal, located at 2600 NW 18th Terrace.

Deputies said the thieves cut a fence to get into the compound on Sunday.

Maintenance Manager Bob Wetzel said batteries are popular items for thieves. "It's been happening, trucking companies, us. It's happened several times," he said.

Each buses has two batteries that are in a position for easy maintenance but easy for thieves to steal.

The 32 batteries stolen are worth about $3,500.

School officials said the buses have been fixed and are up and running for normal pick ups and deliveries.

If you have any information on these bus burglaries, call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward.

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