March 21, 2005
Purdue police investigating theft of computers, equipment
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WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue University police are seeking a man for questioning following the theft late last week of several computers and computer-related equipment from the Roy A. Whistler Hall of Agricultural Research.
The thefts took place sometime between 9:30 p.m. on Thursday (March 17) at 8:20 a.m. on Friday (March 18) and included items stolen from seven offices in the basement of Whistler Hall, located near the intersection of State St. and S. University St. There was no sign of forced entry. Both the building and the offices from which items were stolen were unlocked at the time.
The combined value of the stolen items amounts to approximately $14,000, said Purdue police Lt. Fred V. Davis.
Police are seeking a white male, between approximately 5 feet and 5 feet 2 inches tall, of thin build, approximately 130 pounds, with short black hair and no facial hair. The man was last seen wearing a black jacket and multicolored pants including red, yellow and black. He also had an adhesive bandage beneath his left eye.
At approximately 5:30 a.m. on Friday (March 18), the man wanted for questioning was seen smoking a cigarette in a room adjacent to those from which property was later reported stolen, Davis said. The witness, a member of Purdue's Building Services staff, asked the man to leave but did not escort him from the building.
The witness also reported that the man, who was smoking Kool brand cigarettes while in the building, appeared to be in the possession of a large box and two duffel bags when discovered, Davis said.
Purdue police were notified of the thefts at 8:20 a.m. on Friday.
Among the items reported stolen were three laptop computers, two flat-screen monitors, two digital cameras and one computer hard drive. Also reported stolen were several compact disks and Zip disks, camera attachments and a computer carrying case.
Anyone with information regarding the incident should contact the Purdue police at (765) 494-8221.
Writer: Aaron Martin, (765) 496-3133, martinac@purdue.edu
Source: Lt. Fred V. Davis, Purdue police, (765) 494-8221, fvdavis@purdue.edu
Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu
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