Thieves steal vans from 2 day care centers

HOUSTON – Two day care centers in northwest Harris County are making other arrangements for transportation after a van and mini bus were stolen over the weekend.

"My director called me this morning and asked if I took the van for an oil change. I said no," said owner Pamela Humphries.

She said they have never had any problems at Creative Corner Child Development Center, 335 Audrey Lane. But they do have security cameras, and it didn't take long to figure out what happened.

"There was car that drove by and a few minutes later two guys were walking in the parking lot with flashlights," said Humphries.

It was 5 a.m. Saturday, and within minutes, the mini bus was stolen.

"We operate on a tight budget, so this hit was very difficult," said Humphries.

Sadly, they are not alone. Less than three miles away at the Silver Star Academy, 5610 East Sam Houston Parkway North, surveillance cameras were rolling, too, when their van was stolen about 4 a.m.

"We have to transport kids to school, so it was really unfortunate we had to make quick arrangements," said Eveline Villarreal, Silver Star Academy director.

The Harris County Sheriff's Office is handling both cases.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.