Dell takes out lawsuit over alleged theft

Dell is suing three individuals and Kent reseller Senseware for $1.8m in relation to the alleged theft of computer kit from its manufacturing facility.

The civil action was brought by Dell and its insurers, National Union Fire Insurance Company. The writ was filed by solicitors Geoffrey Leaver and is seeking damages of $1,855,840.

The three individuals are named as Liam Keehan and Fred Power of Ireland, and Mark Daniel of Orpington, Kent. Daniel is the director of the reseller being sued, The Senseware Company, also of Orpington, Kent.

The writ was claiming for damages, a declaration and an account of profit relating to the theft and sale of the computer equipment.

Trevor Coward, partner at Geoffrey Leaver Solicitors, confirmed he had lodged the writ with the court on behalf of Dell, but refused to comment further.

Stephanie Daniel, Mark Daniel's sister, commented: "We are aware of the writ, but it has not been served on us yet."

Other players in the industry were surprised at the amount of damages being claimed due to the normally high level of security in production facilities.

Mike Maloney, director of consumer and marketing at Gateway, said: "All manufacturers have very rigorous security guidelines due the value of equipment moving in and out of the factory. We take a number of steps to minimise any problems at our plants. We don't hold a lot of kit and all exits have metal detectors. The trouble is people can be very ingenious."

Both Dell and National Union refused to comment.