CALIFORNIA (UPDATE) COMPUTERS STOLEN http://www.modbee.com/2010/10/22/1395085/sacto-9-1-1-reward-offered-computer.html

Friday, Oct. 22, 2010

Sacto 9-1-1: Reward offered in computer thefts from Placer County school

By Bee Staff

A reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest or arrests in the theft of 32 new Apple MacBook laptop computers, according to the Placer County Sheriff's Department.

The computers were stolen from the Harvest Ridge Cooperative Charter School, 9050 Old State Highway in Newcastle, sometime between 3 p.m. Oct. 16 and 6:30 a.m. Oct. 18, according to a news release.

The computers, still in boxes, are described as white, 13-inch Apple MacBook laptops. They are valued at $36,000.

The suspect or suspects entered the school by breaking a window. They then went through five classrooms before breaking a padlock to enter a secure area where the computers were stored.

"The true victims in this case are the students who are now without their educational tools," said sheriff's spokesman Lt. Jeff Ausnow.

Anyone with information is asked to call Placer County Crime Stoppers toll-free at (800) 923-8191. Operators are available 24 hours a day.

Tipsters can remain anonymous and receive a reward of up to $1,000 if their information leads to an arrest or arrests.

All information remains confidential. For more information on Placer County Crime Stoppers, go to www.placercrimestoppers.com