PC chip scoundrels strike IBM in heart

Burglars made off with #100,000-worth of chips from IBM's Portsmouth HQ. The thieves entered through a window by climbing the scaffolding on the side of the building and removing a pane of glass.

The burglars removed the chips from 70 machines in three offices housing IBM's customer support services. IBM said the service was unaffected by the break-in.

Trevor Littlecott, IBM country security manager, declined to comment through the IBM press office. Littlecott is a leading light in the joint action group, formed by the Metropolitan Police to stamp out chip theft. At last year's Jag, launch, Littlecott urged users to show more responsibility in protecting their property.