Bags' theft jeopardizes ID security at schools

The state Department of Education is alerting parents of students attending 18 public schools on Oahu of potential identity theft.

On March 6, bank deposit bags were stolen from a van operated by Security Armored Car and Courier Service of Hawaii.

According to a news release, the driver was taking a break at McDonald's in Haleiwa when the van was broken into in the parking lot.

About $25,000 in cash and checks were stolen. Since the deposits included checks containing personal information, the schools are notifying affected individuals and advising them to call one of three nationwide consumer reporting companies to place a fraud alert on their credit reports.

The initial alert lasts 90 days and prevents anyone from opening new credit accounts under the names of people who have initiated a fraud alert.

Affected individuals also are being advised to review their statements for any unusual financial transactions.