[Gadget470]

Back when I was with 247, there was one student of the class (who shall remain nameless) that didn't care about the team. The person stole 128MB and a PII Processor from one of the CAD computers while the FIRST teacher was on a field trip with another class and the substitute wasn't watching. It was well known who the culprit was, and was turned in. To my knowledge the school said something to the effect of: 'We know you did it, don't tell us you didn't. If we get the items back, we will not get police involved.'

As for your situation..

Someone said to have a letter mailed home, but I would advise against that. If I were a theif, and heard that letters would be mailed home, I would intercept the mail just as I did when I was expecting a bad report card *shifty eyes*

I would suggest, hold a parent meeting. Possibly don't discuss with the students the nature of the meeting, call it travel discussion or something(which could partly be true, should a punishment be no travel for the theif). Call directly the parents who do not attend and tell them directly the matter. (A message on an answering service is not good enough).
I'm willing to bet most parents do not want their kids to be theives and are willing to say "I think my child may have taken these, there is a box with it in the basement. How can I return it?"

Compile a list of what has been stolen, such as the box of safety glasses. Make sure there is a quality description of what has been taken, as well as how to test. (Such as, if RAM were taken and installed, have parents check how much RAM is in their machine and check against original specs).

Personally, I think if you expect to see the items returned, you must have an amnesty policy.

Should after other steps have been taken, you notice still more things being stolen, address a Sign In/Sign Out policy for attendees of a meeting/build session. When addressing, tell students "There has been a problem with items being stolen... if you have nothing to hide this will not have a bad effect on you."

Some may say it makes the feel like a criminal when they havn't stolen anything. Address to the students that "stolen items must be replaced with team funds. Therefore, it costs you more when someone steals from the team." I think that will make students prefer innocent searches over having to pay more or fundraise more to replace stolen goods.

But most importantly: Do Not Give Priority To One Student Over Another. A rookie should be given the same treatment as your veteran main driver, student leader, or anyone else.