PROTECT YOUR VALUABLE COMPUTERS AND RELATED EQUIPMENT

Area Law Enforcement Agencies have seen a rise in thefts of computers and related equipment. In some cases the computers, especially laptops, are taken in burglaries of motor vehicles. Other times the computers are taken in business burglaries and some are taken because the computers are left unattended in open spaces.

To help reduce computer theft here are a few suggestions:

• Never leave your equipment unattended in an open space. This includes conference rooms, lobbies, and waiting rooms.
• Never leave your equipment in plain view in a vehicle, even if it is locked. A better idea is to place the equipment in your vehicle trunk. This suggestion applies to briefcases too; it is difficult to tell if a briefcase may have a laptop inside.
• Before you secure your business for the night, turn off all computer screens, they produce a tell-tale glow in the dark. Close any blinds or curtains to restrict visual sighting of target equipment.
• Consider using security products such as cables, tab alarms, or tracking devices. Some of these products are inexpensive, some are not.