Crime & Safety

Burglary Charges in Stratford High Break-In

Police believe suspect responsible for similar break-in last week.

Goose Creek Police have arrested a man accused of breaking into Stratford High School and stealing money from the school's vending machines.

Matthew Thomas has been charged with burglary, possession of implements capable of being used in a crime and resisting arrest.

Officers responded to a call of an alarm sounding at the high school after 9:30 p.m. Sunday night. Alarm company representatives told police that it sounded like something was being destroyed in the building.

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Police say Thomas was found in the school with a yellow crowbar and chased out into the parking lot. After apprehending the suspect, officers say they found $125 in one dollar bills in his coat pocket. They also found yellow prymarks around vending machines.

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GCPD Capt. John Grainger said investigators believe Thomas may be responsible for a similar break-in at the school Thursday. On that day, $420 was found missing after someone had tampered with vending machines.


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