Daycare theft suspects caught

POST FALLS - It turns out that Del Williams upgraded his video surveillance system just in time.

Two days before teen theft and vandalism suspects struck his Just for Kids Child Care and Preschool in Post Falls across the street from Mullan Trail Elementary a few weeks ago, Williams upgraded his system due to past incidents.

"It was the right time for me, and the wrong time (for the suspects)," said Williams, adding that his previous system had spotty coverage.

Soon after police posted surveillance photos on Facebook this week of the suspects in action, Williams said he heard from the mom of one of the suspects. He said relatives were planning to bring the suspects to his business on Thursday night to try to rectify the situation.

"The response was phenomenal," said Williams, adding that individuals and businesses also offered to help the daycare financially to replace the stolen scooter and two basketballs. "I was also shocked at how fast the suspects were identified."

The two male teens, who apparently were dropped at the business by a sister of one of the suspects, also wrote profanity and racial remarks in chalk on a sidewalk. They entered a fenced area to access the business.

Williams said one of the suspect's relatives lives in the neighborhood. The two reportedly ventured from a party at night before entering his property, he said.

Williams said he's more interested making sure the suspects learn lessons at a young age rather than seeking harsh punishment.

"I don't necessarily want to press charges or go to court, but for them to learn something before they turn 18 or 20 and move on to bigger crimes and go to prison," Williams said.

Still, Williams said he was "bummed" over the incident.

"Here you try to keep a place up and get nice things for the kids to play with..." Williams said.

Some may think that targeting a daycare may be low on theft suspects' list, but Williams said his business has been struck several times in the 21 years he has owned it.

"I used to buy expensive trikes because they last longer, but I've stopped doing that and go to yard sales," Williams said. "Sometimes I think even adults see the trikes and know the value ... (so they are tempted to steal). You can't have that nice stuff anymore because it just doesn't last."