Guam schools could lose vending machines

HAGATNA, Guam (AP) — The superintendent of Guam public schools says vending machines could be removed from all campuses in an attempt to prevent break-ins.

The machines seem to have been targets in break-ins at two elementary schools and a high school on Wednesday night, Superintendent Joe Fernandez said.

"We're probably going to move forward with getting all our schools to remove their vending machines and kind of get rid of those easy targets," he said.

Burglars also rifled through desks and drawers, Deputy Superintendent Robb Malay said.

Guam police spokesman Officer A.J. Balajadia said vending machines at four other schools were also broken into last week.

Officials are still tallying the cost of the damage and stolen money, equipment and personal items, the Pacific Daily News (http://ow.ly/t7iw6 ) reported.

Carbullido Elementary Principal Agnes Guerrero said vending-machine money and a camcorder were among the thefts at her school.

"It seems petty, like it's just for a small amount of money in some of these instances," Fernandez said. "But when you have a target like these, once they're inside the school grounds, it makes it more likely that they're going to try and see if other rooms are open -- and we just don't want there to be such easy targets."

Education officials plan to meet with lawmakers and police about increasing security at schools, Malay said.

The governor signed a law last year appropriating about $800,000 to pay for school security systems. The education department is in the process of procuring $500,000 worth of security equipment with federal funds. Three vendors submitted proposals as of last month.

__

Information from: Pacific Daily News: http://www.guampdn.com