By Nicholas Brown
Staff Writer

An estimated $50,000 to $75,000 in damage was caused during three break-ins early in the morning over three days at Manchester's Central High School, according to Manchester police.

Vandals toppled computers, smashed trophy cases, wrecked offices and spilled paint on floors.

"We're here to provide a service for our community," said Manchester Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Schools Frank Bass. "It's really a slap in the face when something like this happens."

Bass said the vandalism took different shapes each day between Saturday, Aug. 6, and Monday, Aug. 8, with damage becoming increasingly pointed.

"Very little damage was done the first night," he said. "We weren't even sure that someone was there." Of the second night, Bass said, "There was a haphazard spree of malicious vandalism."

Finally, of the third breakin, he said, "They were clearly bent on destruction," adding that Monday's break-in occurred at the Burns building, a new arm of the school scheduled to be dedicated by Mayor Robert Baines on Sept. 25.

Bass said there was some damage done to the science lab, and about 20 computers appeared to have been thrown to the ground. He estimated the computer damage alone at about $30,000.

The school is self-insured, so it will have to draw on its own funds to restore the school and equipment, said Bass.

"We're still not done assessing how much this is going to cost us," he said.

Manchester Police Community Information Officer Sgt. Mark Fowke said police are "making progress" investigating the incidents, adding that police spotted two intruders inside the school on the third day, but were unable to surround the building before the suspects pulled a fire alarm and escaped.

Fowke said the crimes appear to be burglary with criminal mischief, a Class B felony. He said nothing appears to have been stolen from school property. "We treat each burglary individually, but certainly take into account the similarities," Fowke said.

Teachers are scheduled to report to school on Friday, Sept. 2, and students on Tuesday, Sept. 6. Bass said the recent events likely won't delay the school's opening, though he added, "Obviously this has diverted our attention. We would have used this time to get ready for school."

Hooksett and Candia send their high school students to Central High School.

Bass said police have increased surveillance since the incidents, and that the district is looking into added permanent security devices, such as motion-activated cameras.

Those with information on the crime can call 668-8711.