A total of around 60 batteries were ripped off from school bus operations in Arizona and Illinois over the past two weeks.
In Collinsville, Ill, thieves made off with more than 35 batteries from buses in a First Student lot, KSDK reports.
Thieves in Collinsville, Ill., make off with more than 35 batteries from a contractor's buses. In Peoria, Ariz., about two-dozen batteries are ripped off and buses are damaged at a school district lot.
A total of around 60 batteries were ripped off from school bus operations in Arizona and Illinois over the past two weeks.
In Collinsville, Ill, thieves made off with more than 35 batteries from buses in a First Student lot, KSDK reports.
Employees discovered the theft early Tuesday morning. Investigators said that the thieves left evidence at the scene and that footage from surveillance cameras at the facility would be reviewed.
Police noted that drug addicts looking for quick cash are often responsible for this type of crime. The batteries can reportedly be sold for $15 each at salvage yards.
The previous week, thieves in Peoria, Ariz., stole about two-dozen batteries and damaged about a dozen school buses, The Arizona Republic reports.
Police said that the suspects cut a chain-link fence and drove into the Peoria Unified School District's support service center on June 21.
The total of the theft and the damage was about $8,500; it was covered by insurance. A district spokesperson told the news source that spare batteries are kept on hand, and the buses were up and running that day.

Driver shortages, safety expectations, and staffing limits define student transportation in 2026. New survey data shows how fleet leaders are responding.
Read More →
Don’t let bus downtime wear you down. Here’s how bus operators are shifting from manual processes to AI-powered, data-driven maintenance systems for improved reliability and safety.
Read More →
Matthews Bus Company’s West Jefferson received a letter of commendation from the Pennsylvania State Police for their fleet inspections.
Read More →
Student transportation teams are being asked to do more with less, facing driver shortages, rising costs, and increasing safety expectations. This report uncovers how fleets are adapting, where technology is making the biggest impact, and why student ridership tracking is emerging as a top priority. Download the report to explore the key trends shaping 2026 and what they mean for your operation.
Read More →
Transportation leaders say when their districts implemented Transfinder's AI enhanced logistics technology, it paid for itself in financial savings, time savings and operational headache reductions (OHR). In this white paper transportation experts share specific ways they have experienced how Transfinder P.A.Y.S. (Pay As You Save) off. Each, in their own way, said transportation technology is not simply a software purchase — it’s a strategic investment in operational efficiency, cost containment and staff satisfaction.
Read More →
Stop reacting to engine lights and start predicting them. This guide reveals how transitioning from a "break-fix" model to a data-driven maintenance strategy can drastically reduce fleet downtime and protect your district's budget. Learn how to transform your garage operations from a cost center into a reliability powerhouse.
Read More →Searching for the right equipment, technology, or services for your school transportation program? This industry guide brings together manufacturers and suppliers across the entire school bus market, all in one place. Download it to find the partners who can help move your operation forward.
Read More →What top challenges are school bus maintenance teams facing in 2026? Explore new trends from School Bus Fleet’s annual maintenance survey covering fleet composition and age, fuel types, used vs. new purchasing patterns, technician pay and certifications, and the impact of the driver shortage. Survey sponsor: Dayton Parts.
Read More →What top challenges are school bus maintenance teams facing in 2026? Explore new trends from School Bus Fleet’s annual maintenance survey covering fleet composition and age, fuel types, used vs. new purchasing patterns, technician pay and certifications, and the impact of the driver shortage. Survey sponsor: Dayton Parts.
Read More →
The company’s new AI tool helps fleet managers approve repairs faster, prioritize maintenance, and reduce shop time across high-volume fleets.
Read More →