Christopher Britton, a 34-year-old man from Fairfield, was arrested on Friday morning for allegedly burglarizing several elementary schools in Northern California. The Marin County Sheriff’s Office reported that Britton was taken into custody by a multi-county task force that included local police departments and the sheriff’s office.
Authorities say Britton targeted classrooms during February, where he would look for unattended purses and wallets belonging to teachers. In total, about ten teachers lost around $7,000 in unauthorized credit card charges after Britton made off with their cards. He reportedly used these stolen cards to make various purchases, running up significant bills before the victims realized what had happened.
Britton’s method involved loitering around the schools, often claiming he was looking for a teacher or student when questioned. His approach allowed him to blend in with the busy environment of the schools, especially during after-school programs and meetings. The schools affected include Lucas Valley, Mary Silveira, and Venetia Valley, all located in the affluent suburb of San Rafael.
Investigators suspect that there may be more victims across Marin, Contra Costa, and Alameda counties, as they continue to look into the extent of Britton’s activities. The first reported incident occurred on February 12 at Mary Silveira Elementary. Britton faces multiple felony charges, including burglary and using a credit card without consent, along with misdemeanors related to obtaining credit using someone else’s identification.
Deputy Stephanie Ware from the Marin County Sheriff’s Office noted that Britton’s approach involved waiting for assemblies or other school activities to sneak into unlocked classrooms. He would only take one or two cards at a time, leaving cash and other valuables untouched to avoid raising suspicion. Many victims did not realize they had been robbed until weeks later when they checked their bank statements.
This incident raises concerns about security measures in schools, as some campuses were described as "pretty open" and lacking gates that could deter unauthorized individuals. As the investigation continues, the community is left reflecting on the importance of vigilance in protecting personal belongings, especially in public spaces like schools.