Fighting against computer theft

KGhaleon

In order to become more aware when it comes to theft(since I come across a lot of suspicious people in my line of work), I'd like to check the machines to make sure they haven't been stolen. I found this site, but I'm not sure how good their database is:
http://www.stolencomputers.org

Any other suggestions or places I should try? Chances are, most people who have their computer stolen aren't going to report the model and serial number...but you never know.

KG

Sie

Problem is they can be stripped and rebuilt so unless you check each part its very difficult to know.

Sorry it didnt help with your question was just a thought i had on this subject!

supertechCETma

a lot of personal laptops are covered by the users homeowners insurance. In order to file a claim either personally or commercially, a police report must be filed.

go to the source... http://www.fas.org/irp/agency/doj/fbi/is/ncic.htm

Many local jurisdictions will make an inquiry for you. If you are a business (like pawn shop), they are checking out your inventory anyway. It can become a liability issue. You don't want to get caught with stolen property in your possession.

KGhaleon

Those are some good points, though I'll have to look through that giant crime information center page later when I have some spare time. I don't own a business, but there have been many situations where someone brings a computer to me that has someone elses information on it, or they suspiciously have no idea when or where they purchased it, etc

It's problematic when trying to figure out if someone stole a machine or if they purchased it from another, but a smart theif will probably get rid of tags and other information. Product keys can easily be stolen, so that probably wouldn't work.

I'm at a loss.

KG