Secretary of State camera stolen from Elgin facility

A camera part holding images of 300 driver's licenses was stolen in a Wednesday night burglary at the Elgin secretary of state facility, officials said Thursday.

A ribbon stolen from one camera contained photographs, names, addresses and license numbers from driver's licenses issued Wednesday at the Elgin facility, Illinois secretary of state's office spokesman Dave Drucker said.

About $200 in camera equipment also was stolen from the facility at 595 S. State St., Drucker said.

No Social Security numbers were taken, Drucker said, and the images on the ribbon cannot be used as identification.

Social Security numbers no longer are printed on Illinois driver's licenses, to protect people from identify theft.

Elgin and secretary of state police, who handle cases involving identity theft, are investigating, Drucker said.

"You're always concerned about identity theft when a disappearance occurs," Drucker said.

The department is in the process of sending out letters to all affected motorists.

The burglary happened about 9:20 p.m. Wednesday, and the facility opened on time Thursday morning, Drucker said.

If you have concerns or questions, call the Secretary of State's office at (800) 252-8980.

Elgin police ask anyone with information about the crime to contact the major investigation unit at (847) 289-2600 or the anonymous crime line at (847) 695-4195.