IDENTITY THEFT ALERT ISSUED STOLEN HARD DRIVE HOLDS STUDENT DATA.

Byline: Bhavna Mistry Staff Writer

VALENCIA - A computer hard drive containing personal student information was stolen from College of the Canyons this week, prompting officials to warn students about becoming victims of identity theft.

The computer was taken shortly after midnight Monday from an office in the student center, officials said. It was used to print student identification cards, and contained names, Social Security numbers and photographs.

``While the intent of those who committed this crime is not known, one possibility is that some attempt may be made to use the information to engage in identity theft,'' said Sue Bozman, college spokeswoman.

The specialized computer, hard drive and printer worth about $9,000 were the only items taken in the burglary, which occurred while a custodian assigned to the student center was taking a break.

Officials said the burglar or burglars broke a window to get into the building and smashed another window to gain access to the student development office where the computer was housed.

``Somebody was watching,'' Bozman said. ``They brought the tools they need to cut the cables and do it fast.''

With the computer protected by a double password, officials said the perpetrators would have to gain access to the computer database to obtain files.

While it's not known why the computer was stolen, Los Angeles County sheriff's officials said it's very likely it will be used to commit more crime.

Identity theft has become the fastest growing crime in America, officials said. The Sheriff's Department receives two or three reports of identity theft a day.

``If they knew exactly what was on the hard drive, it can be a very valuable source of information,'' said Lt. Tim Peters. ``It's a serious problem.''

If the information is used to commit a crime, it will be the first time in Santa Clarita that burglars have stolen a computer hard drive to commit identity theft, officials said.

While police search for the burglars, college officials are notifying 36,000 people who are or have been students since 1999, Bozman said.

``We want to bring this to the attention of the people who may be affected,'' Bozman said. ``It's very troubling.''

All students are asked to monitor their expenditures and credit card statements. They can also request a credit report to determine whether anyone has opened an account in their name.

Anyone who suspects they may be a victim of identity theft is asked to contact the fraud department of major credit bureaus and ask that a fraud alert be place on their file, authorities said.