An unidentified man was found to have trespassed at four Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District campuses last week and stole personal belongings from classrooms, district officials confirmed this week.
LVJUSD officials first became aware of some of the crimes on Tuesday (Oct. 28), as multiple staff members began reporting credit card theft and fraudulent activity, according to district spokesperson Michelle Dawson.Â
Upon confirmation of the full scope of the incidents on Wednesday (Oct. 29), Superintendent Torie Gibson issued a statement to district families regarding the trespassing and thefts. A follow-up email was distributed on Thursday.
Many parents were rattled by the news, and some took to social media this week to express their concerns surrounding campus safety and district communication.
The district declined to reveal to Livermore Vine which specific schools were involved out of concern for the campuses and their staff being unfairly blamed for wrongdoing. But principals at the four school sites reportedly identified themselves to the families of their particular campuses, including Tom Jones of Jackson Avenue Elementary School.
“Although the theft of personal property is concerning, our foremost priority remains the safety and security of our schools, students and staff,” Gibson wrote Oct. 29 to families.
Multiple still photographs pulled from security video footage at one school – distributed publicly by the district in the hopes of identifying the culprit – showed the intruder walking on a campus at 1:17 p.m. Oct. 22. Wednesdays have an early dismissal at 1:30 p.m. for elementary schools like Jackson Avenue.
The intruder typically entered the school sites during busy times such as dismissal or after-school hours, Gibson told families by email, urging them to report any suspicious people or activity around a campus. He may use “easily accessible entry points” such as multipurpose room entrances or propped gates, she added.
He is typically dressed in dark clothing, sometimes wearing a hat or mask, “often appears friendly and approachable” and he may pretend to be on the phone, looking for a classroom or picking up a student, she said.Â
LVJUSD officials were able to confirm the presence of an individual at four school sites via security camera footage reviewed Oct. 29, Dawson said. The evidence and relevant information was shared with the Livermore Police Department, she added.
LPD spokesperson Azenith Smith confirmed the department’s ongoing investigation into the matter.
“To our knowledge, all staff members who were victims of this crime have come forward, and we are committed to supporting them as the investigation moves forward and justice is pursued,” Gibson wrote to families.
In addition to the four LVJUSD school sites, district officials suspect the same intruder has targeted schools across the Bay Area.
It is not immediately clear which other school campuses he may have hit.
“Your awareness and cooperation are essential in keeping our school community safe,” Gibson said. “We will continue taking all necessary precautions to maintain secure campuses.”
Upon receiving word of the incidents, a segment of parents expressed concern online about the ease of campus accessibility. But most worrisome to some of them was the passing of a full week before notice was sent to families.
“My concern around the district is the individual’s ability to access the closed campus during the school day and that notification went out a week later with it going to the entire district before the specific school sites,” LVJUSD parent Katie Anderson told Livermore Vine.
Other parents questioned online whether the district knew about the intruder Oct. 22 and withheld the information or did not realize there was an intruder until days later. In the latter case, concern was voiced over security and response systems.
“We are reviewing and strengthening our current safety protocols to prevent future incidents,” Gibson said. This includes evaluating site access procedures, visitor identification practices and general campus supervision during busy times of the day.”
As part of Gibson’s initial message to families, she reminded the community of safety measures.
Campus visitors must enter through the main office, check in at the office and wear a visible visitor badge while on site, she said. Tailgating or entering through gates or doors, not designated for public entry, is prohibited. Students must not open gates or doors for non-staff members. Also, staff must wear district-issued identification at all times, approach anyone not wearing approved badging and keep classrooms locked at all times.
Additionally, all site principals are set to communicate directly with their school communities regarding any specific changes to campus access for parents, volunteers and visitors, according to Gibson.
“These adjustments are designed to enhance security while still maintaining a welcoming environment for students and families,” Gibson explained.
“We have always valued the open and accessible nature of our schools and the strong sense of community it fosters. However, we also recognize that we live in an ever-changing world where we can never be too cautious,” Gibson said.
Those attending Halloween parades Friday morning may encounter additional safety measures and increased staff presence, she told families.
Gibson asked the LVJUSD community to report suspicious individuals or activity to the school office or Livermore police at 925-371-4987.
