The York County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help in solving a cold case from 2011.

In the early morning hours of Nov. 22, 2011, two individuals broke into Massabesic High School and stole 60 laptop computers.

The brazen thieves were apparently familiar with the video security system of Massabesic because they knew the location of the security cameras and systematically dismantled each one. The thieves were similarly aware of the location of the computer lab, and with precision, entered that classroom so as not to trip the internal alarms.

After obtaining the computers, they left the area. A witness recalled hearing a vehicle in the area about the same time as the security video system went blank. It is not known if a third accomplice served as the driver and/or a lookout.

The following morning, a maintenance worker found the computers stashed in blue plastic containers in back of a business in a neighboring community. He alerted the sheriff’s office.

Deputies made a full recovery of the computers, but the thieves caused several thousand dollars of damage to the security cameras and windows at the school. It is difficult for investigators to determine the sex of the offenders from the video that was captured, because they were wearing masks and dressed in dark clothing.

The sheriff’s office is offering a $200 reward for the identification of anyone involved. Anyone with information is asked to call 324-1113.

— William L. King Jr., chief deputy, YCSO