Has anyone checked behind the photocopier? Aug 10, 2000 - 09:27 AM Reward offered for laptop The Associated Press WASHINGTON - The State Department announced yesterday a $25,000 reward for information leading to the recovery of a missing laptop computer that contains highly classified information. Spokesman Richard Boucher said the department hopes the award offer will generate leads. The computer disappeared in late January from a sixth-floor conference room in the department's Bureau of Intelligence and Research. The FBI and the State Department's Bureau of Diplomatic Security are investigating. Boucher said the laptop's disappearance is a "potentially serious breach of security." Other officials have said the computer contained information on the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and on technologies for launching such weaponry. Boucher said the computer is a black Dell with a five-digit serial number ending in the letter "Q." It is located on a sticker in the back, near the ports. Officials are not sure whether the laptop was stolen or misplaced or, if it was stolen, whether it was taken for the information it contained or merely for the value of the computer. Anyone with information about the laptop is encouraged to contact the State Department at (202) 647-7277. http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGIOX6AGQBC.html