MICHIGAN COMPUTERS STOLEN No suspects in Wightman Hall computer theft - News:

No suspects in Wightman Hall computer theft
Four iMacs taken, according to police
By: Joe Borlik
Issue date: 7/22/09 Section: News

Four computers were recently stolen from a Wightman Hall computer lab, according to Central Michigan University Police.

The iMac computers were CMU property and valued at $800 each, said CMU Police detective sergeant Mike Morrow.

Morrow said a CMU staff member reported the incident last Wednesday, though he said the crime probably happened earlier.

Morrow said the police have no suspects at the time. It is uncertain whether or not this incident is connected to other recent burglaries including the recent string of burglaries in Warriner Hall.

There were no signs of forced entry, which leads the police to believe that the individual or individuals responsible had access to the building, or the door was unlocked.

"We believe a significant amount of time had passed between the time the crime occurred and when it was reported," he said.

Because there was no sign of forced entry, Morrow said it is difficult to classify the crime as a burglary or a larceny, because it remains unclear whether the perpetrator was lawfully in the building or room.

"We're exploring the possibility that they may be connected but its too early to tell," he said.

Morrow said CMU Police have seen an increase in thefts of computers and electronic items in recent years.

"I think it is due largely to the fact that a significant amount of people own these items," he said.

Larry Burditt, assistant professor of art, said two computers were stolen from faculty offices in the Art Department in Wightman Hall.

"We're not thrilled about them being gone," he said. "We're in the process of evaluating our security and seeing if anything needs to be changed."

Burditt said other computers were stolen from the Human Environmental Studies Department.

The HEV Department did not confirm any details about stolen computers, but acknowledged the fact that some have been stolen.

A $250 cash reward is being offered for anyone with any information leading to an arrest. The CMU Police Department can be reached at 774-3081 or the anonymous tip line at 774-1847.

"I'm very optimistic that we will catch the person who committed this crime," Morrow said.



news@cm-life.com