Islington Tribune - by MARK BLUNDEN Published: 17 August 2007
Laptops to face police questions?
FANCY having your laptop “interrogated” by police computer experts?
Yes, you too can have friendly officers poring over your personal files and pictures to check you are the rightful owner.
If you’re not keen on such an invasive experience then don’t leave your computer where burglars can snatch it.
Senior detectives are warning laptop owners not to leave valuables in full view with windows wide open this summer after a spate in thefts.
After stealing computers, thieves then ‘fence’ them through pawn shops.
If a laptop is found by police, they will try and return it to its owner.
But in some cases officers may “interrogate” the computer, leading to potentially embarrassing – and sometimes legal – complications.
Detective Chief Inspector Adrian Usher, Islington police’s intelligence and operations chief, said: “The focus is on getting the laptop back (to the owner). “But any offence coming to light will be investigated.”