MASSACHUSETTS COMPUTER STOLEN http://www.wickedlocal.com/amesbury/news/x196125733/Laptop-stolen-from-Amesbury-Public-Library

Laptop stolen from Amesbury Public Library

By David Rogers/drogers@cnc.com

Amesbury News

Posted Feb 09, 2010 @ 06:07 PM

Amesbury, Mass. —

Amesbury police are investigating the theft of a laptop computer reported stolen from the Amesbury Public Library last Saturday. But Amesbury Police Lt. Mark Gagnon said finding it will be a challenge.

“They [library staff] have no idea who took it,” Gagnon said.

The Dell laptop, purchased two years ago for about $1,400, was used daily by the reference librarian.

Library Director Patty DiTullio described the laptop as a “mobile service station” that would be brought over to patrons who needed help.

The reference librarian reported the laptop missing shortly after she returned from her lunch break. It was typically stored on a cart next to the circulation desk in a staff area.

“We’ll get a replacement and I’m trying to figure out how to fund that,” DiTullio said.

DiTullio said once the laptop is replaced, she intends to offer the same service to patrons. She has already filed a claim with the city’s insurance agency.

“It’s unfortunate, but we try not to let events like this limit the way we provide services to the public,” DiTullio said.

Gagnon said police have been searching area pawn shops and picking up word-of-mouth rumblings as to who may have stolen it. But since the library isn’t equipped with video cameras it will be difficult to find the culprit.

Video cameras are a staple in public school buildings, the police department and other municipal and privately owned buildings. They’ve been used to help determine who was at fault in car crashes in expansive parking lots and to solve thefts at the high school. But cameras aren’t used inside the library or Town Hall.

Asked if the library may someday be monitored by video cameras, Library Trustee Jane Ward said it’s possible.

“It’s certainly something that probably will come up at this month’s meeting [held on Wednesday] after we get the director’s report. And we probably will discuss it.” Ward said.

DiTullio said the issue has been raised in the past, but less for theft prevention and more to improve patron and staff safety.

But as Ward pointed out, installing video cameras in such a public place may raise more concerns than they solve. Some may consider the added safety they provide not worth the loss of civil liberties. Still, considering the effectiveness of cameras in providing valuable clues to the recovery of stolen items, it may be worth it, she said.

“It’s certainly something that deserves to be looked at, because that is an expensive piece of town property,” Ward said of the laptop.