High School Broken Into on New Year's, Cops Say

There was a door ajar and shattered glass when officers responded to an apparent burglary attempt at Hanover Park High School just after midnight on Jan. 1, East Hanover Police said.

Patrolman Mariusz Zamojski entered the school after police received a report of an activated security alarm at the high school. According to the report, he saw an ajar door and shattered glass, both leading into the shop area of the high school.

Zamojski waited until Sgt. Kenneth McCoy arrived, and the two followed what appeared to be tire tracks heading south from the building toward the fire road, the report said.

McCoy drove around the school while another patrolman checked Timber Hill Drive. They were unable to find anyone in the area.

Inside the shop area, Zamojski observed several objects that appeared to belong to a drill press, along with a PVC pipe with metal fittings. They were unable to determine what had been used to shatter the glass, the report said.

The Detective Bureau was notified, and the School Resource Officer contacted the principal, the report said. Police were unable to notify school maintenance staff to respond and secure the area, the report said.

A drill may have been taken because of the scattered parts and an empty space on the bench next to the entry door, the report said. Since school officials could not be reached, however, proceeds from the burglary were not able to be identified, the report said.

Police used plywood from the shop to cover the broken window and secured the door.