Police investigate after Clinton campaign staffers' laptops were stolen from SUV in Philadelphia

  • Laptops and backpacks were stolen at around 8pm Friday in Philadelphia
  • The computers were  recovered and returned to their owners on Saturday
  • A 27-year-old man was taken into custody in connection with the theft 
  • Police and Clinton campaign spokesman said theft appears to be random

Police are investigating after Clinton campaign staffers had their laptops and personal belongings stolen from an SUV in Philadelphia.

The theft occurred at around 8pm on Friday in the 100 block of Brown Street, CBS Philadelphia reports. 

Police said four men had parked the car and visited a restaurant a few blocks away.

When they returned to the vehicle an hour later, the rear passenger window was broken and three backpacks, each one containing a Macbook Pro and other items, was gone.

But police said the theft was random and the suspect arrested had no idea the devices were linked to the campaign.  

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Police are investigating after Clinton campaign staffers had their laptops and personal belongings stolen from an SUV in Philadelphia

The theft occurred at around 8pm on Friday in the 100 block of Brown Street (pictured)

By 11pm on Saturday, the three laptops were recovered and returned to their owners, a campaign source told the station.

Philadelphia police said a 27-year-old man was taken into custody in relation to the theft on Saturday night and charges against him are pending.

The stolen items belonged to three advance staffers and included 'backpacks and computers,' campaign spokeswoman Stephanie Formas told CBS.

'Three advance staffers had personal belongings, including backpacks and computers, stolen from their vehicle,' she said in a statement. 

'According to the Philadelphia police commissioner, this appears to be a routine theft, and local law enforcement is handling the matter.

'We have confidence they will resolve it.'

DailyMail.com has contacted the Clinton campaign for further comment. 

Hillary Clinton reacts as she is introduced during services at Mt. Airy Church of God in Christ in Philadelphia on Sunday

The Secret Service and Department of Homeland Security have been notified about the theft as is standard procedure.

They are aiding Philadelphia police in the investigation.

Clinton's campaign is trying to boost African-American turnout, which has slipped since President Barack Obama's campaign four years ago.

So she's spending much of her final days in Pennsylvania, a crucial swing state that her team believes is leaning their way.

Hillary Clinton was in the city on Sunday, telling African-American voters that the election is a choice between 'hope and fear.'

On Saturday, the Democratic nominee was in Philadelphia as pop singer Katy Perry performed in a bid to boost Clinton's momentum.

'All the campaigning in the world doesn't mean anything if people don't vote,' Clinton said, shortly before presenting Perry, who already stumped for her last year.

'When you get knocked down, which everybody does, what matters is get back up,' Clinton said.

'Stand up for what you believe. Know the power of your own voice.'

The 32-year-old Perry, a fervent Clinton supporter, then performed her hit 'Roar,' a standard on the White House hopeful's official playlist.

 

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