Computer theft affected 1,000s, official contends

COLUMBUS (AP)— The city has offered identity-theft protection services to more than 3,500 people whose names, addresses and Social Security numbers were on three computers stolen from a warehouse.

The theft affected people who had signed up for the city’s Mobile Tool Library, which lends hammers, power tools, lawn mowers and other supplies, said Deputy Development Director Greg Davies.

Information on the computers was password-protected, making it difficult for thieves to gain access to the names and Social Security numbers, Davies said. The city is considering whether to stop collecting Social Security numbers for the program, he said.

Identity-theft protection services could cost the city more than $34,000 if everyone accepts the offer. The service includes fraud alerts to the three national credit bureaus.

The laptop computers were stolen during a weekend break-in. City employees arriving for work on Monday found a broken window and called police, Davies said.

Police spokeswoman Amanda Ford said the burglary case has been labeled inactive, meaning it’s unlikely that officers found enough evidence to arrest anyone.