Dateline: November 8, 2001

Thieves take off with museum's computers   

Roger Estlack, Clarendon Enterprise

Two computers were stolen last week when a person or persons unknown broke into the Saints’ Roost Museum.

Donley County Chief Deputy Randy Bond says authorities believe the break in occurred Saturday evening. Museum officials noticed signs of mischief Sunday and realized the computers were gone Monday.

Bond says the culprits entered the old Adair Hospital building through a window on the southeast side, rumpled the covers on a bed, and exited with the computer equipment through a back door.

A Dell computer tower and a scanner were taken from the desk in the foyer, and an entire Dell computer system – except for the speakers – was taken from the board room. A digital camera was also taken. Bond said the estimated value of the computers is $1,000 each.

The computers are the property of the Clarendon Independent School District and were purchased with grant money early this year. School officials provided authorities with serial numbers for the stolen equipment.

No damage was done to the museum itself, and the museum’s collection remains intact. Museum board members took steps Monday afternoon to enhance the security of the windows on the building.