Masked intruders broke into a future minimally invasive spine surgery center in Harris County, Texas, at least five times in five days and took a computer used for medical recordkeeping, Tegna affiliate KHOU reported Oct. 28.
Neurosurgeon Hamid Abbasi, MD, is building the center, called Avicenna, in a former hospital in Klein, Texas. His team first noticed that new computer equipment was missing. A review of surveillance footage then showed people getting in through a back door, walking the halls overnight, and taking photos and videos. One masked intruder was carrying a pry bar.
Dr. Abbasi said the intruders skipped computers still in their packaging and took ones already in use. After he posted a warning sign on the door, cameras caught one group reading it and turning around.
“I doubt we were the first victims, and I doubt we will be the last,” Dr. Abbasi said.
The report said the break-ins may be tied to social media-driven “urban exploration.” The Precinct 4 Constable’s Office is investigating, and charges could include trespass, burglary and theft once the people involved are identified.
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