BACKGROUND:

The sharp increase of personal computer ownership combined with the introduction of ever- smaller and more compact units has greatly increased the likelihood of loss by theft.PCs now top the list of most-often-stolen equipment. The Stolen Computer Registry was formed by an industry consortium in 1992 to foil hardware theft and foster confidence in the purchase of used computers. The Registry does not charge for its services.

HOW IT WORKS:

When a computer is stolen, the make, model and serial number of the computer is entered into the REGISTRY’s relational database linked to information on the rightful owner and reporting agency. Buyers, resellers, insurers, law enforcement, and security professionals check suspicious computers against this list. When stolen equipment is located, the REGISTRY supplies information and assists in recovery and return of property to the rightful owners. The Registry does not charge for its services.