KENTUCKY COMPUTERS STOLEN FROM SCHOOLMiddlesboro Daily News - Home of the Cumberland Gap National Historical ParkComputers stolen from Middlesboro Middle School

By DANIEL BRUCE (News Editor)

In the past several weeks, the Middlesboro Middle School has been the target of a series of break-ins culminating in the theft of 15 Dell laptop computers from the school.

"They should know, that when they stole that stuff, they're taking away from our kids," said first-year Middlesboro Principal Steve Spangler.

According to Middlesboro Police Chief Jeff Sharpe, the computers were originally priced at $1,200 to $1,400 each and had a collective value exceeding $18,000.

"It was pretty obvious that there was more than one person involved in the theft," said Sharpe.

The first break-in occurred the second week in August, said Spangler, when the suspects broke into the school. They had targeted the computers then, but had been unable to open the cabinet. Instead they settled for smashing vending machines and removing coins.

The next week the thieves entered the school again and were able to avoid the school's alarm system by using the door at the back of the gym. They then removed a gate from its hinges and entered the school building proper. There they avoided burglary alarm sensors by staying in the middle of the school.

The thieves then forced the door of the locker open and took the computers.

Spangler said the laptops were used as a mobile lab. Each computer was outfitted with components that allowed the computers to communicate wirelessly.

Although their images were captured on the school's video cameras, Spangler said they were wearing masks each time.

While they're identities were hidden, Spangler said the suspects were younger and knew enough about the school to have preselected the computer locker.

They also knew how to skirt the school's burglary alarm sensors.

The school's burglary alarm is at least 15 years old said Spangler and, during later tests by school faculty, it was determined that some areas of the school were protected by the alarm and some were not.

In an effort to prevent further break-ins, Spangler said the school has changed its sensor positioning and altered the security system codes. They have also began conducting visits to the school site after hours.

The school will be able to defray some of the cost through insurance. Officials have already begun the process of filing a claim, Spangler said he wasn't sure if the full amount would be covered by their policy.