Thieves steal several laptops from Visalia Rape Crisis Center on New Year's Eve

VISALIA, Calif. (KFSN) -- Police in Visalia are trying to figure out who broke into a building on West Main Street and stole valuables from a non-profit organization on New Year's Eve.

One was taken from a downstairs office and the others were swiped from the second floor.

"We're glad everybody's safe, no one was hurt, and that we'll be able to move forward," said Caity Meader, Family Services of Tulare County's Executive Director.

Meader says the theft is certainly a financial setback for their non-profit organization, which helps families and people in crisis at various locations in Tulare County.

The smash and grab burglary happened at their rape crisis center.

The center, which serves 350 sexual assault victims every year, was growing, so moved to the building on West Main about a year and a half ago.

Meader says they love the location, but they've also had some issues with people camping there and vandalizing the property.

She says this is the first break in and loss of property, and that the suspect, or suspects, came in through a window, which set off their alarm system.

"It seems like maybe folks just came in as fast as they could and grabbed what they could before law enforcement had a chance to respond to the alarm," Meader said. "So we've definitely taken measures, we'll probably have to take a few more after this."

Meader says there's no sensitive information at risk on the stolen machines.

She wants everyone to know that this will not stop them from doing the important work they do 365 days a year.

The Rape Crisis Center hotline is 559-732-7273 or 559-784-7273.