It would seem that some person or persons are making it a habit of braking into the southern town’s library to steal laptop computers.
That’s the impression following reports that Police are investigating the burglary of the Vieux-Fort Public Library, from which all of its seven laptops were stolen last Friday evening.
This reporter investigated and found that the laptops were secured in a safe in the children’s section of the library, which also houses the maintenance department of the Vieux-Fort South Constituency Council.
The shocking discovery was made by the library’s janitor, who found the place ransacked when she reported for work.
The thief or thieves made their way into the children’s section by breaking a glass window at the side of the building.
The security guard who was supposed to work on that day was not on duty.
According to the Director of Library Services, Cynthia Mc Farlane, the incident is of grave concern to her.
She said the laptops will be replaced, but could not say exactly when.
As it relates to the terrible condition of the library in general, which has resulted in its adult’s section being out of use for over a year due to health and safety issues, Mc Farlane said that the ministry is well aware of the situation.
“I gave the ministry all the different areas that need attention, so they are aware of the problems. It’s in their hands,” Mc Farlane said, adding that she has “no idea” when the problems will be addressed.
She is aware of the concerns of patrons and would like to see them addressed as soon as possible.
Over a year ago, the Labour Department ordered the Ministry of Education to close the adult’s section of the library, describing it as a health hazard.
Some of the problems which currently exist in that section include mould infestation, poor ventilation, leaky roof and cracked walls.
Whenever it rains heavily, that section is transformed into a shallow swimming pool.
Staff there feel it is time the Vieux-Fort Public library is temporarily re-located for the safety and comfort of its patrons.
A few years ago, the adult’s section was also broken into and four laptops were stolen.