MISSISSIPPI COMPUTER STOLEN FROM LIBRARYStarkville Daily News OnlinePolice investigating burglary at library
By BRIAN HAWKINS/Starkville Daily News

Information is being sought by Police Department detectives regarding an apparent break-in at the Starkville Public Library over the weekend that resulted in the theft of a computer.

The Dell computer, monitor and keyboard -- valued at more than $1,200 -- was stolen from the library's recently opened genealogy room sometime after 10:30 a.m. Friday and between 4 p.m. Monday, when the computer theft was discovered by library staff members.

A window was discovered open in the southwest corner of the library, and police detectives said Tuesday they believe the computer thief likely entered and exited the building through the window, though the library's security alarm system was not activated.

"We are checking local pawn shops to see if anyone has attempted to sell the computer and checking up on some leads," said Detective Steve Lyle on Wednesday. "The library's staff is also taking precautions against further thefts."

This is not the first time the public library or its patrons have been subjected to criminal activity, Lyle said. Previous reports show that someone stole a patron's laptop computer while he was searching for another resource and that a concrete bench and potted shrubberies had been stolen from outside the library building, he said.

"We've also seen incidents where outside tables, decorative materials and some signs were stolen from civic buildings, some residences and businesses," Lyle said.

Police are seeking information from anyone who may know about the library break-in.

Those with information can call the Police Department at 323-4131 or Golden Triangle Crime Stoppers at 1-800-530-7151. All Crime Stoppers tips are confidential and could result in a reward of up to $1,000 for the caller if the tip leads to an arrest in this case or any felony crime.