Kevin Hart on stolen computers: I'll be back

COBBS CREEK - December 17, 2013

Back in November, Hart gave a big gift to his hometown. 500 computers for the schools and rec centers. 200 of them went to 25 rec centers.

Last Thursday night four of those computers were stolen from the Cobbs Creek Recreation Center.

Today Hart posted a message on Instagram about the theft, which said in part:

"This is a message to all of the kids at the schools that were affected... ignorance like this only motivates me to do more. I will be back but I'm doing bigger and better this time."

Philadelphia Deputy Commissioner of Parks and Recreation Leo Dignam said, "[The computers] were well used in this community and this community needs the access to that."

But that access was cut off by a thief sometime last Thursday night. There were no signs of forced entry. The thief used a key to get in and it could have been any one of dozens of people.

"We have four people who work here who have keys, we have a PAL cop who has keys, we have maintenance people, crews who come out to clean the facility in the early morning hours who have keys," Dignam said.

The computers were Sony all-in-one Vaio desktops. They retail for $1,100. But their value to the community is priceless.

"I was hurt because we are bringing in things for the community to bring it up and keep it on par with the rest of the city and something like this happened, so I was hurt," Crawford said.

The rec center does not have a surveillance camera so the police are depending on the eyes and ears of the community.

If you know anything, they'd like to hear from you.

Copyright © 2024 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.