Woman sought after theft at Gurnee school

Gurnee police are investigating the theft of two teachers' credit cards while they were working at Woodland Intermediate School.

Police Cmdr. Jay Patrick said the woman suspected in Monday afternoon's incident snatched the credit cards from purses in two empty, unlocked classrooms and used them at stores in Vernon Hills and Gurnee. The amounts charged were not immediately available.

It's believed the woman slipped into the intermediate building while a door was open during a change in physical education classes, Patrick said Tuesday.

Patrick said the suspect is in her mid-40s, about 5 feet 10 inches tall and 230 to 240 pounds. He said the woman was described as having black hair and wearing a white polyester outfit.

Woodland Elementary District 50 officials said the woman was found walking in the intermediate school off Hunt Club Road and approached by staff members. A maintenance employee escorted the woman off the property when her identity came into question, according to district officials.

Gurnee police detectives have been working on leads, Patrick said. No children were approached by the suspect.

In a letter sent to parents, District 50 Superintendent Joy Swoboda stated that action was taken in an effort to prevent future thefts at school buildings.

Employees at all schools were reminded to make sure every perimeter door is locked. Staffers also were reminded to stop anyone who isn't wearing a Woodland badge or visitors pass.

Someone without a proper credential should be escorted to a main school building office, Swoboda said.

"This incident is being taken extremely seriously," she said.

Patrick said Woodland took the proper action in stressing to employees proper security precautions.

"Obviously, in this day and age, we have to be vigilant in this type of thing," he said.