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Laptop computers stolen
from GOP office
Police continue to investigate

Updated: Friday, 29 May 2009, 7:16 PM EDT
Published : Friday, 29 May 2009, 7:16 PM EDT

• Lorey Schultz

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Buffalo Police and the Erie County Republican Committee want to know who broke in to the GOP's office at the Statler Towers.

Two laptop computers are among the items stolen.

As break-ins go, the one at the Statler Towers in Buffalo smells political, but was it?

Buffalo Police spokesman Mike DeGeorge said, "I think it's early to go in that direction."

Thursday morning, around ten o'clock, someone stole two laptops, a briefcase and a laser printer from the Erie County Republican Party headquarters.

The items belonged to the party's top political strategist. Police say no one was in the office, and the door was locked at the time of the break-in. It appears access was gained from the basement.

DeGeorge said, "It looks like it's possible someone had been in office. They stepped out for a moment, and the individual or individuals uh, broke in and took the items."

Police say there's no proof it's anything but a random break in, but still it's a break-in that raises some speculation now that campaign season is underway.

The office serves as the command center for Republican staffers, candidates and politicians in Erie County.

Party Chair Jim Domagalski was out of town but issued a brief statement confirming that "two laptop computers and a brief case were stolen."

Nothing else was taken.

DeGeorge said, "It seems like once every three or four years something like this comes up. Whether it's targeted or random, let it play itself out."

Friday night, police continue to investigate.

Friday afternoon, detectives recovered the laser printer, leading them to think this was more a crime of opportunity than anything else.

Party members are working closely with the Buffalo Police as they conduct their investigation.

Other businesses and vendors at the Statler were somewhat surprised by the break-in, saying they don't happen too often, especially with all the security cameras in the building.