MARYLAND (UPDATE) COMPUTERS STOLEN http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-county/bal-computers1014,0,6642545.story

UMBC police probe thefts of 24 computers from labs

By Liz F. Kay | liz.kay@baltsun.com

3:34 p.m. EDT, October 14, 2009

Police at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County were investigating the thefts this week of 24 computers from writing labs in the fine arts building.

UMBC's police chief, Antonio Williams, said the thefts of the Apple desktop computers were reported about 8:15 a.m. Monday. Investigators were exploring the possibility that the crime might be connected to the thefts of five Apple computers from one of the same labs Sept. 30. In both incidents, the thieves cut through metal cables fastening the computers to desks, according to Williams.

Police charged two suspects in the Sept. 30 thefts and recovered the stolen computers, Williams said.

The university has taken "measures to improve security in the fine arts building as well as the entire campus to prevent future crimes of this type," Williams said, including better oversight of access to keys to the writing labs.

Anyone with information about the thefts was asked to call UMBC police at 410-455-5555. UMBC spokeswoman Eleanor Lewis said the computers will be replaced.