(Michigan City, IN) - School buildings in Michigan City were closed Tuesday after catalytic converters were stolen from more than 20 school buses.

 

According to the school corporation, students will take part in eLearning today instead of physically attending their classes due to the vandalism.

 

The Little Wolves Early Learning Center was also closed.

 

All of the thefts happened overnight at the school corporation’s transportation garage at 1100 S. Woodland Ave.

 

A transportation department employee said the discovery was made this morning when a driver on one of the early routes started a bus, which was loud from the catalytic converter missing from the exhaust system.

 

Michigan City Police Lt. Steve Westphal said the catalytic converters were cut off likely with a Sawz-All, an electric powered hand held device with a blade.

 

Thieves are attracted to catalytic converters because of the copper inside that can be sold as scrap.

 

According to the school corporation:

• Secondary students will receive assignments online from their teachers.
• Elementary students without devices should complete homework previously sent home. Additional assignments will be provided once students return in person.                                                                            

 

 "We are working closely with the Michigan City Police Department as they investigate this incident. We will provide an update later when we have more information on how it may affect operations for the remainder of the week,” said Megan Daurer, Director of Communications for the school corporation.

 

“We appreciate the patience and understanding of our families, staff, and community as we work through this unexpected situation,” she said.