Elementary school victimized by thieves | News

LAKELAND, Florida -- It may be among the lowest crimes you can commit.

Parents and teachers at Cleveland Court Elementary School in Lakeland are in shock that someone would steal from their fundraiser.

"I think it's despicable.  I think it's very despicable," said Elizabeth Prokuski, a volunteer with the school's parent teacher organization.

Last Saturday's garage sale was designed to help pay for things like new technology in the classroom, playground equipment, or field trips. Organizers hope it will help offset countywide budget cuts.

But after the event, volunteers found three counterfeit $50 bills.

They think someone, or a group of people, came into the school at a busy time, bought something for a couple bucks, then walked out with the change.

"It's a special kind of criminal to steal from children.  I mean, that's a whole new low," Prokuski said.

Principal Dan Lunn says in his 34 years in education, he's never seen anything like it.

"I'm truly amazed that somebody would go to this extent," Lunn said.

Police have no leads and say counterfeit cases can be very difficult to solve.

On Friday, 10 News worked to help the students. We tried throughout the day to find someone to make up for what they lost.

Friendly Kia of New Port Richey stepped up to more than make up the difference.

The dealership volunteered to donate $150 to offset what was stolen, plus another $150 to help the students, for a total gift of $300.

Police say there have not been any other recent reports of counterfeit bills.

Here are some tips for businesses to spot fake cash:

http://www.secretservice.gov/money_detect.shtml