Disability Center in La Chorrera Hit by Theft, Losses Estimated at $10,000

The Reintegra Center, a Ministry of Health facility in La Chorrera, Panama, dedicated to individuals with disabilities, was targeted by thieves who forced their way in and stole electrical wiring and computer equipment. The break-in, which is presumed to have happened over the weekend, was discovered on Tuesday morning when health personnel arrived at the facility.

Preliminary losses from the theft and vandalism are estimated to be between $5,000 and $10,000. Jorge Melo, the regional director of Health, stated that authorities are conducting investigations to precisely determine the extent of the losses. The National Police are collecting fingerprints and evidence, delaying the inventory process by the Patrimonial Assets Department.

Melo indicated that one or two computers might have been stolen, in addition to the damage to the electrical system. "Most of the equipment was already in the temporary facilities located at the Nicolás A. Solano hospital," he noted, referring to the center's current temporary operations. The center has been operating out of tents at the hospital for several weeks due to cleaning efforts in its air conditioning ducts, which were affected by smoke from a nearby brush fire.

Authorities have filed a report, and the area remains under police custody while the Public Ministry investigates to identify the perpetrators. The Reintegra Center typically serves between 50 and 100 patients with disabilities daily, ranging in age from zero to 21 years.

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Most of the equipment was already in the temporary facilities located at the Nicolás A. Solano hospital. The losses are estimated between five thousand and ten thousand dollars for the electrical wiring and the equipment stolen.