As the new school year approaches, two schools have experienced the computer thefts.
A group of 13 individuals broke into Prevail Academy Charter School in Mount Clemons, Mich., in mid-July and stole 34 computers and laptops, and 12 portable radios, according to CandGnews.com.
Police said the group gained access to the school through a doorway near the basketball court using a plastic spoon. Because the suspects did not break in through a window, no one was able to notice a crime; however, the school’s security cameras helped investigators determine the suspects.
Three people were arrested and charged July 31: Mike Sadur, 28, Nickolas Carter, 35 and Nigel Berry, 17. An 18-year-old and a 19-year-old are expected to be arrested as well. Further, eight adolescents, ranging in age from 13 to 16, are also being petitioned in juvenile court for their role in the crime.
Police were able to recover 17 of the laptops and six computer towers in the homes of the various suspects. Three laptops were recovered in the Clinton River Spillway. Police are still searching for the remaining stolen items.
All together, the estimated cost of the stolen property totaled at minimum $50,000. Authorities said there were no important files on the computers, and it is believed that some of the stolen items will still be usable.
Additionally, 20 iMac computers were stolen from the Lynwood Elementary School computer lab in Novato, Calif., reported sfgate.com.
Police currently have no suspects at the moment. It is believed that someone cut a security lock chain to gain access to the school. The person then drove up to the lab and took the brand new computers while leaving behind older models.
Authorities are offering a $2,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the thieves.
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