The courier service van from which nearly $25,000 in school deposits was stolen March 6 in Hale'iwa was nondescript and had no special security equipment, prompting Department of Education discussion on whether a change to armored vehicles is necessary.

Cost is the major drawback to a changeover.

The Security Armored Car and Courier Service of Hawaii Chevy Astro van was parked at the Hale'iwa McDonald's when it was broken into while the driver, a 46-year-old man, was inside the restaurant.

Detective Laura Natividad of the Wahiawa police district's burglary/theft unit said entry was gained by smashing the van's window. The break-in and theft occurred in a span of about 30 minutes, Natividad said.

"It was just a regular van," Natividad noted. There was no sign on the vehicle bearing the company's name.

The courier had picked up deposits from 18 Central O'ahu and North Shore schools and had completed his run.

DOE spokesman Greg Knudsen said $10,215 in cash and $14,752 in checks were stolen and that the department is "working cooperatively" with the vendor for reimbursement.

Knudsen added there has been internal discussion about switching to armored vehicles but such a move would be at a "much greater expense."

The department switched from armored to courier service in January 2006 and has not encountered any previous thefts, Knudsen said.

A section of the contract with the vendor says the pick-up service vehicle "must provide security to guard against entry and theft, and (an) armored vehicle is not mandatory," Knudsen said.

Police have made no arrests in the theft case, and the DOE has not received complaints from parents concerning identity theft.

Reach Rod Ohira at rohira@honoluluadvertiser.com.