Theft Disables Vans at a Kentucky Special-Needs School

A school for mentally disabled adults in the Louisville, Ky., area is facing financial hardship after thieves stole the catalytic converters from the vans they use to transport their students.

WAVE-TV reports the St. Mary’s Center students are accustomed to frequent outings, but are unable to go anywhere since the weekend theft.

St. Mary’s co-founder Mary Jo Payne said that even with insurance it will cost more than $1,000 to fix the vans.

Payne said the theft was a “sad, unexpected expense” that prevents the center from providing the level of quality care participants are used to.

Brianna Dixon, who participates in center activities, told the television station, “It’s kind of bad when you are stuck inside.”