MASSACHUSETTS COMPUTERS STOLEN FROM SCHOOLMetroWest Daily News - Local News CoverageStudents charged in laptop thefts
By Lisa Gentes / Daily News Staff
Wednesday, May 25, 2005

NORTHBOROUGH -- Four Algonquin Regional High School students are charged with stealing laptop computers and equipment from the high school and trying to sell the items on eBay, police said yesterday.

School officials reported the stolen items March 24, according to police, and the charges were brought at the beginning of May.

Detective Brian Griffin said two laptops, computer equipment, programs and a wireless router were stolen from the high school.

"We investigated the incident and ended up charging four juveniles," he said.



One student charged with the computer thefts had obtained a master key to the school building, he said.

The students attempted to sell the stolen goods on eBay, but were not successful, Griffin said.

The items were of significant value to the school, he said. Each computer was valued at $1,600, Griffin said.

Police charged the four juvenile boys -- three sophomores and one junior -- with the crime after a lengthy investigation, he said.

"One male admitted to stealing the computers," Griffin said. "He's charged with two counts of larceny over $250."

Three other boys were charged with a single count each of larceny over $250, he said.

The computer thefts occurred after school hours when the classrooms were locked, Griffin said.

All the stolen property was recovered by police and is being held as evidence for trial, Griffin said. There will be a hearing in juvenile court on the incidents, he said.

"They have been disciplined through the school and they are back in their educational programs," Algonquin Principal Ned Gallagher said.