OHIO COMPUTERS STOLEN Cleveland Jewish News > News > Local:

Thieves take two computers from NCJW offices
By Douglas J. Guth
Senior Staff Reporter
Published: Friday, November 28, 2008 1:18 AM EST

Two computers were stolen from the Warrensville Heights offices of the National Council of Jewish Women, Cleveland Section (NCJW) on Nov. 20. The theft was the second such incident at the volunteer organization in the last six months.

Last week’s robbery occurred at about 6 a.m., reports Lt. William Jelenic of the Warrensville Heights Police Department. The perpetrator or perpetrators gained access to the NCJW offices at 26055 Emery Road by breaking a window. A security alarm on the premises tipped police to the burglary.

Police do not have any leads at this point, says Jelenic. There were no fingerprints, footprints or other physical evidence found in or around the site. Detectives are currently casting about for leads on anyone trying to sell electronics in the area.

Other than the computers, no money or valuables were taken. NCJW keeps donated clothes, furniture and other items in a warehouse attached to the office.

“Absent more evidence, it’s tough to go further” with the investigation, Jelenic admits.

Lacking concrete proof, the lieutenant would not link the latest burglary with another equipment theft that took place at NCJW’s offices in June. During that early-morning event, thieves entered the building through the front door and took two computers.

NCJW Cleveland chapter president Debbie Bloom estimates the equipment taken in both thefts was worth over $10,000. As of press time Tuesday, NCJW had yet to replace the stolen property or the window broken during the latest burglary; Bloom and chapter executive director Mindy Axner are currently sharing a computer in Axner’s very cold office.

Private information and confidential records on the computers’ hard drives are protected, Bloom notes. However, it is possible the thieves will be able to access older e-mails.

“This is a big inconvenience for us more than anything else,” maintains the chapter president. “This just feels like a violation to us.”

dguth@cjn.org