HAWAII (UPDATE) COMPUTERS STOLEN http://www.khon2.com/news/local/story/Police-recover-48-of-62-stolen-computers/cm3GHmEw-Ue0tdMrY1ZNVQ.cspx


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Police recover 48 of 62 stolen computers

Reported by: Ron Mizutani

Email: rmizutani@khon2.com

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Published: 9/26 5:43 pm

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Updated: 9/26 9:43 pm

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It was a crime that stunned school officials and shocked the Waianae community, but in the end it was the community that helped lead police to the stolen property.

A week ago more than 60 computers worth an estimated $100,000 were stolen from Leihoku Elementary School. Principal Randall Miura rolls out one of two computer carts that were hit by thieves a week ago.

"Actually they didn't even cut the lock, they just, you can see it's kind of pried open," said Miura. "And then they ripped the latch off of this one."

The carts contained 59 White Macbook Apple laptops used by the school's 910 students. Police believe the thieves climbed onto a shallow ledge and broke into 8 classrooms where they stole the laptops and three more computers used by teachers.

"I've been here at Leihoku for 18 years and in those 18 years we've never had anything that would even come close to this," he said.

But less than a week later Miura had something to smile about.

"Out of the 62 computer units that were stolen, Honolulu Police Department has recovered and returned 48 units. Really awesome work on Honolulu Police Department's part," said Miura.

Forty-five of the 59 student laptops were recovered along with all three teachers computers - only two were damaged.

"Two had cracked screens but Apple can repair those at a minimal cost the rest were just dirty but they're fully operational," said Miura.

No arrests have been made in the case and Miura says police did not share details of where the stolen goods were found. What he does know is community members stepped forward when the school was in need most.

"It was utterly amazing," said a grateful Miura. "We had a lot of tips both to the Honolulu Police Department as well as the school in terms of people who either saw or knew or noticed something that just wasn't right."

Miura says the school has made changes to its security system to ensure a crime like this is not repeated. The broken louvers have been repaired but the two computer carts valued at 15-hundred dollars each need to be replaced.

"In no way at anytime did I feel that either myself or the school was dealing with this alone," said Miura. 

"We just had an outpouring support from everybody."

Police sources say investigators are close to making an arrest in the case.