IDAHO BOISE MAN ARRESTED FOR STEALING COMPUTERS http://www.ktvb.com/news/localnews/stories/ktvbn-jun0706-stolen_laptops.62b89a93.html

BOISE -- Boise Police have arrested a man they believe is connected to a series of stolen laptops in the city.

Investigators say since January, Boise has seen an increase in the number of reported laptops stolen.

Detectives are continuing to investigate, but believe that the same person may be responsible for many of the thefts.

Twenty-one-year-old Adam Grossaint of Boise has been charged with four counts of burglary and grand theft. Police say more charges are possible.

Grossaint is accused of stealing laptop computers from several Boise small businesses.

In many of the cases, detectives say the thief broke out a glass door or window and stole the laptops as they sat on desks. And usually more than one computer was taken from each small business.

Besides actual replacement costs, police say the loss to the small businesses victimized in terms of time and data lost cannot be measured.

Grossaint is accused in four burglaries, but detectives say he is a suspect in at least 18 more.

In January, Boise Police identified an increase in lap top thefts. Between January and May, Boise Police had taken 36 reports of stolen laptops, mainly from small businesses.The computers were stolen during the night or on weekends.

After some investigation, detectives developed leads on a possible suspect. Grossaint was arrested after he was found to be driving without privileges.

Officers later found Grossaint was in possession of two stolen laptops. Detectives have evidence they believe links Grossaint to four burglaries, and possibly at least 18 more.

Detectives say it appears the laptops were stolen then re-sold for meth or money, often pennies on the dollar of what the computers are worth.

Detectives say it appears the thieves often “scout” the businesses looking through windows or glass doors for computers in plain view.

Officers have these tips for citizens to keep from falling victim to laptop theft:
• Install a locator or tracking device on your laptop. Several services are offered for a nominal yearly fee - check online. These are installed on your hard drive and cannot be erased.
•Know the serial number on laptops and other valuables so police can find you if the items are stolen.
•After hours, close blinds on windows and glass doors.•Keep areas well lit at night to deter prowlers.
•Be alert to anyone hanging around the premises who appears to be trying to peer inside.
•Install audible alarms and video surveillance