Theodore High band's bus burglarized

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - The Theodore High School marching band played in Mobile during last night's Mardi Gras parade.

Meanwhile, someone broke into the band's bus and stole some personal items.

"We were loading our equipment. And some of the students were coming off of one of the buses, and they said they were missing some jackets and a couple of cell phones, some keys," Philen said.

Assistant Director of Bands Shane Philen has been taking students to Mardi Gras for the last 10 years.

He said he's never experienced anything like this.

Philen said during the parade the bus driver was watching the event with other bus drivers in a designated gathering area.

Philen said the Color Guard decided the weather was warm enough to not wear their black and red jackets and left them inside the bus.

The bus was parked along Canal Street near Lawrence Street with other school buses.

Philen said about 10 other schools park buses along Canal Street so that they can easily access the interstate when leaving after the parade.

Mobile police responded around 9:00 p.m. to take a report from eight students and the driver.

Police said the driver reported she could not lock the bus, and no signs of forced entry were found by police.

Police said at least four jackets were stolen from the bus. They cost about $40 each, and the students pay for them out-of-pocket.

The report also lists several cell phones, MP3 players, and at least one purse were taken from the bus.

"As one who has had items stolen from a house and from a vehicle before, the likelihood of retaining these items is very slim," Philen said.

Mobile police don't know why someone would steal the jackets, but it's clear the thieves were also after electronics.

They also said owners of cell phones need to write down serial numbers.

If the phone ends up at a pawn shop, the owner is required by law to collect an ID from the customer and report to law enforcement what was purchased.