Santa Maria Valley Historical Society Museum broken into for second time in a month
SANTA MARIA, Calif. – For the second time in less than a month, thieves have broken into the Santa Maria Valley Historical Society Museum.
The first break-in occurred on Dec. 8 when someone pried open a window to gain access into the building during the middle of the night.
Most recently, just over two weeks later on Dec. 23, a second break-in occurred where someone came through the museum roof to enter the building.
During the first crime, the thief or thieves stole a laptop, tablet, card reader, camera, batteries, stamps, as well as donations, membership checks and a scrapbook.
In the second break-in, the only objects taken appear to be only a small amount of money and a laptop.
Having endured two break-ins has frustrated and upset those who work and volunteer with the non-profit organization.
"Happening twice was just we were just shocked," said said Santa Maria Valley Historical Society Curator Shelley Klein "We're all shocked. Why you would want to break into a historical museum? Unfortunately, my Christmas break was spent here dealing with the damage and the police reports and all the things we needed to do to make sure that we were secure."
Klein said the Historical Society is now taking proactive measures in an effort to help prevent future break ins.
"We do have a special covering on our windows and doors to help keep them from being broken again," said Klein. "Smith Alarms has given us extra motion detectors and we will be getting cameras for our museum, thanks to community donations, so hopefully people won't want to break in, and they'll find that there's not much to get here, except for what we treasure are the historical artifacts in our history of our valley."
Similar to the first break in, none of the historical artifacts on the museum floor appear to have been either taken or damaged.
"It's such a blessing," said museum volunteer Alexis Zamaro. "They're irreplaceable, and there's just so much history, so I'm really grateful that nothing got destroyed because we wouldn't be able to replace these things. It's honestly a blessing that everything is still intact."
