Watch CBS News

Thieves Clean Out Laguna Niguel Children's Theater

LAGUNA NIGUEL (CBSLA.com) – Police are searching for thieves who broke into a nonprofit musical theater in Laguna Niguel over the weekend and stole thousands of dollars of equipment.

According to founder Charla Moore, the thieves broke into Ovations Performing Arts Center in the 27000 block of Forbes Road overnight Saturday and stole computers, speakers, lights, microphones, costumes, props and cash to the tune of an estimated $10,000.

Moore said the break-in occurred just hours after a new lock box had been installed on the door.

"It's the thought of everyone being family, and someone just taking that all away from you," one young student to CBS2 reporter Erica Nochlin.

Ovations was founded last year by Moore and has grown quickly. It now has about 200 students.

"They took more than just our things, they took our safety," Moore said.

With no equipment, Dana Hills High School stepped in and lent Ovations its own stage for the Christmas show this week.

There was no immediate word on whether authorities had any leads on the suspects. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the group raise money to replace its stolen equipment. If you would like to contribute, click here.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.