Stop Tags to Help Prevent Computer Theft 

Computers — in particular laptop computers — have become one of the most popular targets for both the casual and experienced thief. The Washington University Police Department has partnered with STOP TAG to provide a low-cost alternative to detering the theft of your computer or other valuables, and to improve tracking if the item is stolen. Simply putting a number tag on a piece of equipment doesn't do much to solve the problem of tracking equipment. The numbers must still be recorded and periodically checked, and the tag might come loose or be pried off. The STOP system is different. At its heart is the patented security plate. It's made of photoanodized aluminum, with a baked-on clear polymerin enamel finish, and affixed to your equipment with cyanoacrylate adhesive so strong that removal of the security plate will physically alter the case. Each security plate bears a unique barcode and a toll-free telephone number to call in case lost or stolen equipment is found. 

There's more to the security plate, however. During installation of each security plate, a permanent tattoo also bearing the toll-free number is chemically etched into the equipment. This tattoo cannot be removed by any means without marking or defacing the case. Each security plate bears a warning that the tattoo has been etched into the equipment. The combination of the security plate and tattoo act to deter theft, since the equipment cannot be profitably resold. Thieves are not interested in the equipment itself, only value on the open market. The STOP system reduces that value for lost or stolen equipment to zero. 

Simply marking the equipment would do little if there was no service in place to back it up. Each number, along with the make, model, serial number and owner of the equipment it's affixed to, is registered with STOP. A call to the toll-free number yields quick and easy ownership verification. Should you lose a piece of equipment, STOP can help you register the loss with local police, the FBI, and INTERPOL. STOP also handles the return of lost equipment to its rightful owner. Experience has shown that equipment that might otherwise have been kept by the person who found it is usually returned via a call to the 800 number. 

To protect your equipment with the STOP system, contact WUPD Sergeant Mark Glenn at 935-5084 or at or via e-mail at mark_glenn@wustl.edu. You can also request Stop Tag information on-line here.