California IN BRIEF : SAN JOSE : 13 Held in Alleged Computer-Parts Ring

The FBI and local authorities teamed up to crack a gang of alleged computer equipment thieves who were possibly involved in a string of home robberies. Thirteen men, ages 18 to 30, were arrested. Authorities stopped the men in five cars and found handguns, nylon masks, heavy-duty tape, rope, gloves and walkie-talkies, Police Sgt. Dennis Luca said. Two of the cars had been reported stolen, Luca said. Police also raided a San Jose home and found $500,000 worth of computer chips, circuit boards, cash and valuables that could link them to several home robberies in the Asian-American community, authorities said. The men, all from the Bay Area, were allegedly part of a loosely organized gang, authorities said. Barbara Silano, a federal prosecutor, said it was unclear whether they would face federal racketeering charges.