Burglary at Belmont Boys’ RC 

Belmont ‘St Francis’ Boys’ RC School on Belle Eau Road was burgled early in the morning of Wednesday, August 19, after two intruders entered the compound, detained a female security guard and ransacked the principal’s office. 

The break-in occurred around 12.20 a.m. on Wednesday, August 19. Police were told that two men, one armed with a knife and both with their faces concealed, jumped the school’s perimeter wall and entered the compound. 

The security guard was robbed of her cell phone. The intruders attempted to enter the cafeteria but were unsuccessful. They later gained access to the principal’s office, where they stole cash from the sale of school T-shirts, which had been earmarked for repairs and bills. 

Also taken were two footballs, fabric, cleaning cloths, toilet paper, a speaker box used for school assemblies, and four bottles of non-alcoholic wine intended as prizes for the school bazaar. The items were valued at approximately $3,200. A report was made to the Belmont Police Station. 

Despite the break-in and theft, the school community is thankful for the bravery of the security guard who dissuaded the thieves from entering other areas. They are especially grateful that she was unharmed.  

The break-in is “deeply concerning” for the school and action will be taken to strengthen the school’s surveillance system and address vulnerable areas around the compound’s perimeter.  

The Belmont Boys’ Parent Teacher Association was notified of the incident. 

The Catholic News was informed by a source that the Belmont community has taken good care of the school facility even before staff and students began occupying it in 2018 and residents are “rallying” around the school. “That is all we could hope for at this time,” they stated. Parents have offered to help replace stolen items.  The school has requested an additional security guard for night shifts but, under the current arrangement, the Ministry of Education funds only one security guard for the primary school.  

“We are just hoping for the best and this is the first and the last. We are praying and hoping for that,” they said.  

The theft, particularly of the speaker, is a setback as the school is hosting activities celebrating the Jubilee Year of St Francis which runs from January 10, 2026, to January 10, 2027.