But one item stolen out of a 2001 Toyota Highlander has caused a major setback for the Belize Port Authority. It's a Panasonic Toughbook computer that belongs to the Port and is valued at 13 Thousand dollars, computer and software included!
The acquisition of the expensive software had only recently enabled Port Authorities to conduct their own charting of Belizean waters. The man who had possession of the computer, Michael Anthony Jenkins, Chief Hydrographer for the Port, says the loss will set the Port back by at least one year.
Michael Anthony Jenkins, Chief Hydrographer for the Port
"Last night I was at the Bliss attending a Christmas function for the Grace Primary School, I got there about 6:30 and upon leaving at about 9:30 I realized that there were a few people in distress because they got their work vehicle broken into. The immediate thing came to my mind was that maybe mine too and yes indeed my vehicle was broken into and approximately $13,000.00 worth of valuable things were taken including jewelry, bracelet, ear ring, white gold, a remote control helicopter, a few pieces of personal item's and a laptop. The laptop is what I really and truly would like to get back."
Jim McFadzean
"And why is that?"
Michael Anthony Jenkins, Chief Hydrographer for the Port
"The laptop is used to do hydrographic surveys and I have over three years of data on that computer. Hydrographic work is mainly to chart our seas, so that ships and private yachts can come in and out of our waters safely and Belize has just gotten to the stage where we can do our own surveys and for this to happen, will set us back at least one year."
"I am appealing to the public to please if you see a Panasonic Toughbook to call my number at 635-4667 or get in contact with the Belize Port Authority. And please do not encourage and buy stolen goods if you don't know where it comes from."
Jim McFadzean
"Any special features on the computer that somebody might say oh, this is the Panasonic."
Michael Anthony Jenkins, Chief Hydrographer for the Port
"Ok, the Panasonic is a portable computer, it has a handle so you do not have to put it in a bag, you can hold the laptop in hands so it's easily distinguish from any other computer, I do not see it in the stores to sell so it would be easily seen. Its silver in color and it has big Panasonic on it."
A reward of One Thousand dollars is being offered for any information leading to the recovery of the Panasonic Toughbook computer. You can contact Mr. Jenkins at 635-4667 or reach him at the port authority, or call Crime stoppers at 0-800-922-8477 or 0-800-922-TIPS.