New Details on Criminal Who Broke Into Lafayette Schools, Allegedly Stole Thousands from Teachers

LAFAYETTE, CALIFORNIA – New details are emerging on the man who allegedly broke into schools in Lafayette, California and throughout the Bay Area and stole thousands of dollars from teachers.

We covered the man’s arrest. But catching him was apparently a multi-police-force operation. And as more police departments have shared details about his alleged crimes, lots more info is coming out.

One very disturbing aspect of this crime is that fact that the man, Christopher Britton, reportedly walked into multiple schools in broad daylight, while classes were in session and kids were present.

Stealing is bad enough–thankfully, he didn’t plan something even worse.

The Alleged Crimes

The Marin Sheriff’s Department says that the arrest follows a series of school burglaries that began in February, when teachers at a Marin County elementary school reported stolen bank cards after a suspicious man was seen loitering on campus during a school assembly. The stolen cards were later used for thousands of dollars in fraudulent purchases.

Further investigation linked Britton to at least three separate school burglaries in Marin County. Authorities say he also carried out similar crimes in Alameda and Contra Costa counties (including in Lafayette, California), targeting elementary schools and stealing from teachers.

At the time of the incidents, Britton was already out on bail in Solano County in connection with unrelated residential burglary charges.

The fact that Britton had already been arrested for other crimes and released on bail–allowing him to commit these alleged crimes–is a new piece of information that has many community members upset.

The April 25 arrest was carried out through a coordinated operation involving the Vacaville Police Department, Lafayette Police Department, Danville Police Department, Marin County Sheriff’s Office, and Dublin Police Services.

Britton was booked into Marin County Jail on a no-bail warrant, along with a $210,000 Contra Costa County warrant for burglary and fraud-related charges.

The Community Reacts

Residents across Marin County and beyond are expressing strong support for law enforcement following the arrest of Britton.

Many took to social media to praise the Marin County Sheriff’s Office and partnering agencies. Gina Tanner, a teacher and one of the victims, commented, “This man went into my classroom and stole cash out of my wallet. I appreciate all who were involved in his arrest.”

Other community members voiced frustration over repeat offenses and called for stricter consequences. “No more catch and release. Keep him locked up until all the trials are over,” wrote Luke Teyssier.

The arrest was widely welcomed, with several thanking officers directly and emphasizing the harm done to educators. One commenter wrote, “Stealing from underpaid teachers? Throw the book at him.”

Authorities say the investigation is ongoing.

Make sure to join our free 925 News newsletter so we can keep you updated on this breaking story.