UCLA police are investigating the theft of laptop computers from an equipment loan room in Charles E. Young Research Library on campus.
Fifty-five laptop computers were stolen early Saturday morning by a suspect who smashed an east-facing ground-level window to gain access to the library, then smashed the window on a door to a room where laptops are loaned to library patrons, police said.
Police are reviewing security video footage and are asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspect. The suspect was described as a white male, approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall, with a medium build and wearing UCLA sweatpants and blue running shoes. Police said the suspect is similar in appearance to a suspect responsible for a Sept. 28 burglary of laptops from Ackerman Union.
Police released a surveillance photo of the Ackerman suspect's face and of the Young library suspect rolling a suitcase. Police also provided an image of the type of computers taken from the library.
Security footage shows the suspect entering the library at 2:26 a.m., moving to the equipment loan room then leaving the room with three roller suitcases and a shoulder bag at 2:41 a.m., police said. A member of the library staff reported the crime to police at about 9:30 a.m. Saturday. The value of the stolen property was approximately $33,000.
Police ask that anybody with information about the suspect or the crime contact UCLA police at (310) 825-1491.
Library officials said the equipment loan room in Young Research Library is temporarily closed. Patrons are being referred to other library facilities on campus with equipment loan programs.