TENNESSEE COMPUTERS STOLEN http://www.newschannel5.com/story/13790404/thieves-steal-computers-cash-from-sumner-county-school


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Thieves Steal Computers, Cash From Sumner County School

Posted: Jan 05, 2011 5:45 PM ESTUpdated: Jan 05, 2011 9:08 PM EST

by Jeff Tang

HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. - Two thieves broke into a mid-state high school and made off with thousands in computer equipment and cash.

"They were there several hours, and went into offices, computer labs, and classrooms, they entered some rooms forcefully," said Detective Lisa House with the Sumner County Sheriff's Department.

Authorities said the two men snuck into Beach High School in Hendersonville through an unlocked door on the weekend of December 11.  Cameras took detailed surveillance images of the two walking through the halls. 

Detectives said they stole thousands of dollars in computers, hard drives, cash and checks.  In some cases, they used a crowbar to pry into offices and classrooms.  The thieves actually stayed in the building for several hours.  Because they seemed to know their way around, investigators said it's possible they either attend or attended Beech. 

"Anytime a school is broken into, we want to find out who is responsible and make sure they are prosecuted," said Sumner County Schools Spokesperson Jeremy Johnson.

School officials are currently reviewing security procedures at Beech to make sure a similar break-in doesn't happen again.

Investigators with the Sumner County Sheriff's Department are asking for the public's help in identifying the two suspects. They're also hoping to track down the stolen computer equipment, which they believe the thieves may have traded or sold.

Several other schools in nearby counties were also recently broken into.  Detectives say the suspects in the Beech case may be linked to those burglaries too.

Email: jtang@newschannel5.com