NEWINGTON — A police department laptop computer containing “a fair amount of records” was stolen from a marked cruiser and an on-board camera was damaged while the cruiser was left at an auto dealership for service, said Chief Jon Tretter.

NEWINGTON — A police department laptop computer containing “a fair amount of records” was stolen from a marked cruiser and an on-board camera was damaged while the cruiser was left at an auto dealership for service, said Chief Jon Tretter.



The theft from and damage to the “brand new” cruiser occurred last week when it was parked overnight at Portsmouth Chevrolet where it was left for work on decorative trim, said Tretter. The police chief said he's been advised that it's unlikely anyone could access personal information stored on the stolen laptop because the battery is so old it barely functions without a companion power cord.



In addition, the on-board camera was damaged when a cruiser door was pried open at the Woodbury Avenue dealership, he said. Portsmouth Chevrolet has surveillance cameras on site and if anyone is charged with the cruiser crimes, they'll face felonies, said Tretter.



Mike Jones, manager of the dealer's auto body department, said he was expecting a police officer to pick up the cruiser after hours which is why it was left outside overnight. He said if he knew it wasn't going to be picked up, the cruiser would have been brought inside.



“We thought someone was coming to get it,” he said. “With a phone call we would've taken care of it. Obviously we don't want any thefts here.”

Anyone with information is encouraged to leave anonymous tips by calling Seacoast Crime Stoppers at 603-431-1199, by texting to CRIMES (274637) and including TIPSCS in the message, or by visiting Seacoast Crime Stoppers. Rewards are paid for information leading to arrests and convictions.