OHIO COMPUTERS STOLEN Laptops stolen from Springfield schools:

Laptops stolen from Springfield schools

By Megan Gildow, Staff Writer 6:05 PM Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Ten laptop computers stolen from Keifer Alternative School June 30 contained information about students with disabilities, but not social security numbers, Springfield City Schools Interim Superintendent Don Thompson said.

The district sent letters home to parents of students who were affected following the theft, said Thompson. The laptops belonged to employees of the district’s special education department, including psychologists, which relocated to Keifer as part of a plan to move all administrative offices out of the South High School building.

There have been no arrests, said Lt. Jim Hutchins of the Springfield Division of Police.

The building was broken into overnight and the thefts were reported to police early the next morning, he said.

“They’re still actively investigating,” he said.

There is no indication that the thieves targeted the specific computers and information but more likely stole the laptops because they are easy to carry and sell, Hutchins said.

About 10 parents have contacted the district about the matter, Thompson said.

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0373 or mgildow@coxohio.com.