Boys burglarize classroom portables | Crime

Winter Haven, Florida -- Three boys were arrested Saturday after they were caught burglarizing three classroom portables at Chain Lakes Elementary School causing thousands of dollars worth of damage.

Photo Gallery: Kids destroy classroom portables

According to the Winter Haven Police Department, around 1:30 p.m., the boys--ages 12, 10 and 8--were spotted by a teacher on campus around the portables. Two of them ran off and were later caught in the area, the third almost ran into the teacher and stopped, police say, because he knew she recognized him.

All of the boys had paint on their skin and clothing that matched what was used in the destruction of the portables. Police say the boys caused an estimated $10,000 in damage to the rooms and equipment.

The 8-year-old and 10-year-old are students at Chain Lakes and the 12-year-old attends Jewett Academy.

The boys were charged with Burglary and Felony Criminal Mischief and taken to the Polk County Juvenile Assessment Center.