ILLINOIS COMPUTERS STOLEN http://www.herald-review.com/news/local/article_d4944351-b5df-5c07-8af2-1969dd88f8b9.html

Thieves ransack Durfee Magnet School

By H&R staff | Posted: Wednesday, January 26, 2011 3:01 am

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DECATUR - Police were investigating an incident in which equipment was destroyed and computers were stolen at Durfee Magnet School during the weekend.

"Several classrooms were ransacked and some electronic items stolen," said Decatur police Sgt. Jason Walker, head of the juvenile investigations division.

The incident occurred between 11:45 a.m. Saturday and 6 a.m. Monday, according to a police report.

On Tuesday afternoon, Walker said he believed that detectives were developing information that could lead to one or more arrests.

"They had a hammer processed with prints or DNA," Walker said.

A hammer was used to shatter several computer monitor screens. Another tool, which also was believed to be recovered from the crime, was possibly used to pry open a small safe and attempt to pry open file cabinet drawers.

Two laptop computers were reported missing.

Walker said there was an event held at the school Saturday morning.

Kirk Veitengruber, Durfee principal, implied that there was a connection between the event and the crimes.

"Our schools are open for various student and family events on the weekends, and it's unfortunate that someone felt this was an open invitation to vandalize school property," Veitengruber said. "We are in the process of assessing the damage and are working with the authorities to identify the person or persons responsible."