Santa Maria Museum raises money to install security cameras after break-in

For decades, Santa Maria Valley Historical Museum staff and volunteers have worked to collect, preserve, and present the history of our local community.

Museum curator Shelly Klein said doing so becomes more difficult when they also have to deal with intruders.

Klein said she went to the museum Friday morning and found windows smashed, offices vandalized and donations stolen.

“Our office area was in disarray. Things were strewn about, papers and objects on the floor, trash. And of course, we quickly noticed that the safe was missing.” Klein told KSBY.

She said there did not appear to be any irreplaceable museum exhibits or artifacts stolen or tampered with. In any case, she admits that the break-in cost her about $2,000.

“We need cameras. We need to be able to see what’s going on and get notified more quickly,” she added. “The alarm went off, but we didn’t know who was doing this.”

Meanwhile, Rob Himoto, president of Santa Maria Valley Railroad, which is just down the street from the museum, said break-ins and break-ins are common in his business.

“We’ve definitely grown over the last few years, but these days are the worst we’ve ever been,” Himoto said.

He said staff members visit at least once a week to see homeless encampments on the right side of the road, abandoned trash and large holes dug along the railroad tracks.

Himoto told KSBY that despite increased police patrols and staffing this year, the problem continues.

“Even with more resources, the problem is getting worse,” he says.

To prevent future thefts, the museum will add a layer of protection to the windows and front door this week to make them harder to break into, Klein said.

“Now every day I come to work, I think, ‘Are we going to be OK?’ It’s probably going to take a while for that to go away. We’re free, we’re open to the public, and we want to welcome them. I think so, but I’m more cautious now,” Klein said.

Klein said her team is also currently encouraging the community to donate so they can purchase and install security cameras at the museum.