Computers and other associated hardware were stolen when burglars broke into the offices of the Head Start program on St. Croix, the Department of Human Services announced Tuesday.
The news release from Government House did not say when the burglary occurred.
Head Start is a federally funded program that provides early childhood education, nutrition and parent involvement services and counseling to low-income children. It is operated in the territory by the Department of Human Services.
“I am disheartened that individuals would illegally enter this building and steal computers that facilitate the learning processes of the youngest in our community," Human Services Commissioner Vivian Ebbesen-Fludd said. "The Head Start Program, as a whole, is vital to our ability to attract interested parents, as well as provide early childhood learning opportunities to 3 to 5 year olds in our community."
Ebbesen-Fludd said the program will continue despite the break-in.
"We, however, are not deterred by this despicable act and it will not disrupt our daily operations or program goals in any way,” she said.
The commissioner noted that the computers and other equipment are the properties of the local and federal government, and said the government agencies, including the V.I Waste Management Authority, be on watch and notify authorities of anyone attempting to sell or dispose of the equipment.