Computers stolen from elementary school

MANCHESTER, Conn. (WTNH) -- Burglars in Manchester have made off with something more valuable than electronics. They took away educational opportunities at an elementary school.

"Fourteen Macintosh computers, one desktop, two overhead projectors, a lab cart, and a coffee maker," Richard Kisiel, the Superintendent of Manchester Schools, said.

A haul worth about $20,000, was taken from Bowers Elementary School in Manchester during a weekend burglary. The goods and the burglar are still at large.

"We've given the police the serial numbers of all the equipment, so that should help their investigation in the event that they should locate the equipment someplace else," Kisiel said.

All signs point to the thieves entering through a window.

"There is video surveillance on the main door of the building, but there is no other surveillance," Kisiel said.

Given the burglary and that limited video surveillance, it looks like new computers might not be the only thing on the shopping list.

"These are older buildings and are under consideration for future renovations, so obviously we'll consider including those systems within those buildings in the future," Kisiel said.

In the meantime, the superintendent says the process of replacement is already in progress, covered by insurance and budget dollars.

"We've begun to put our purchase order together to replace the equipment, so it's a minimal disruption but still, a minor one, but we need to get them replaced as quickly as possible," Kisiel said.