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Two Students Arrested In Connection To Theft Of 60 Laptops

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Two high school students are under arrest, accused of stealing dozens of computers from West Philadelphia High School.

Eyewitness News first reported last Wednesday, 60 computers were swiped from West Philadelphia High School. On Thursday, police say they heard from a man who called to report that he had just bought a new Mac laptop for much less than what it's worth.

Lt. John Walker with the Philadelphia Police Department explained, "We received the serial number over the phone. We checked that number against the stolen laptop from West Philadelphia. We determined that was one of the stolen laptops."

The tipster told police he met the seller on Craigslist. So police logged on and under cover officers made arrangements with the same seller to "buy" a laptop. The meeting resulted in two arrests.

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"Right now we have two young men in custody, both 17; one is a West Philadelphia High School student. The other is a University City High School student," Lt. Walker said.

Police recovered 30 computers along with an LCD projector. Police say all of the items were stolen from West Philadelphia High School. One of the computers happened to be stolen last December.

Lt. Walker said, "The most important part of this case is that the public did respond to our plea to come forward."

The remaining 30 stolen computers were not recovered. Police believe those computers have already been sold and are urging the public to once again come forward to hold the two students fully accountable.

In the meantime, the school district's spokesman, Fernando Gallard said in a statement: "We are very delighted to have our equipment returned to us. However, we are saddened to learn this good news is tempered with the unfortunate news of the two students' involvement."

As for the 30 recovered computers, police say they will be processed for evidence and they will be returned to the school district first thing Tuesday morning.

Reported by Elizabeth Hur, CBS 3

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