$5,000 Reward for Missing Blood Bank of Delmarva Laptop; Personal Blood Donor Information on Laptop, But Fraud Potential Considered Low Risk.

NEWARK, Del. -- The Blood Bank of Delmarva is offering a $5,000 reward for the return of a computer laptop that slid off the back of one of its transport trucks on Thursday morning near the intersection of Routes 273 and 4 on its way to a blood drive in Newark, Del.

The laptop contains sensitive and confidential donor information. The Blood Bank is working with county and state police to locate the computer.

"We are also working with our attorney and the State of Delaware's Attorney General's Fraud & Consumer Protection Division to explore the steps to be taken if any of the donor information is used," said David V. Bonk, spokesperson for the Blood Bank. "Any improper use or access of that information will be pursued by the Blood Bank of Delmarva as the law permits," said Bonk. "We have been assured that the risk of fraud from an incident like this is low, but we want to do all that we can to protect our donors."

The truck was on its way to a blood drive at the University of Delaware, when a motorist stopped the vehicle and mentioned that he saw something fall off the back of the truck. Both the motorist and Blood Bank staff searched for the laptop in the vicinity of where it was lost, but were unable to locate it.

"The chance that the laptop fell into the hands of someone who would be able to access the information and use it illegally is small," said Bonk, "and we hope the reward will be incentive to return it quickly."

Bonk added that Blood Bank operations have not been affected by the missing laptop. "The blood drive at the University went well, and we continue to have blood donors walk through our doors to give blood. We are grateful to our donors and members for their ongoing support."

Anyone with information should call the Blood Bank of Delmarva at 302-737-8400 or 1-888-8-BLOOD-8.

Blood Bank of Delmarva is a non-profit, community service program that provides blood for the 18 hospitals and 13 renal care centers throughout Delmarva. More then 75,000 blood donations are needed each year for patients across the Delmarva Peninsula.