Published: Sept. 22, 2016

Electronic devices听are听valuable resources for students, faculty and staff听on the go. Our phones, tablets, and laptops often contain personal information and data that is important to us, but, they also have great value to thieves and burglars.

Registering your device听can be an important step in preventing victimization. Registration stickers often act as a deterrent, making the item difficult to pawn or sell quickly. Information obtained during registration such as make, model, and serial number also make it easier for police to identify recovered items and return them to their proper owners.

University of Colorado Police and the Office of Information Technology offer a device registration program that is quick, easy听and free. Owners can register听their devices at the听Office of Information Technology (OIT), 1045 18th St., Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Safety tips to prevent theft of electronic听devices:

  • Always keep your office, residence hall room, or home听locked when unattended, including听when you leave听for short periods of time.
  • In common areas, such as dining facilities, libraries or the University Memorial Center, never leave laptops, mobile phones or other valuable items unattended.
  • Record serial numbers of听desktop computers, laptops, mobile phones and other items that could be stolen. If these items are recovered, it is easier to return them to you.
  • Many Apple devices and PC laptops that are running Windows 10 have a tracking service built in. But if you have an older laptop,听installing a third party tracking software is recommended.
Laptop on a table