Laptop Theft
What to Do Before and After Your Laptop Goes Missing
A lost or stolen laptop can be difficult to recover, especially if you don’t have the device’s identifying information. Learn what to record before anything happens, what to do if your laptop goes missing, and how local resources can help.
Before Your Laptop Goes Missing: Record These Details
The best time to prepare for laptop theft is before it happens. Keep your laptop’s identifying information somewhere other than the device itself so you can provide it to law enforcement if necessary.
Serial Number
Record your laptop’s serial number and keep it somewhere secure. On Macs, you can find it in System Settings > General > About or on the device itself. On Windows laptops, the serial number is often listed on a label underneath the computer.
MAC Address
Record the Wi-Fi MAC address and, if applicable, the Ethernet MAC address. You can find these in your laptop’s network settings.
Make and Model
Write down the manufacturer, model, screen size, year, and other identifying specifications.
Example: MacBook Pro 14-inch, 2023, M2 Pro, Space Gray.
Distinguishing Marks
Record anything that makes your laptop easier to identify, including stickers, scratches, engraving, dents, or chipped corners.
Tip: Take photos of your laptop and its identifying marks and store them somewhere you can access without the device.
What to Do If Your Laptop Is Stolen
If your laptop goes missing, act quickly but methodically. Start by reporting the theft and securing your accounts, then use any tracking features you had enabled.
Report the Theft to Local Law Enforcement
Provide the serial number, MAC address, make, model, color, and distinguishing marks in your report. The more identifying information you provide, the easier it may be to match the device if it is recovered later.
Use Find My or Built-In Tracking
If Find My was enabled on your Mac or a tracking feature was enabled on your Windows laptop, check it as soon as possible. Depending on the device and service, you may also be able to remotely lock or secure it.
Change Important Passwords
Change the passwords for your email, banking, cloud storage, and other accounts that may have been accessible from the laptop. Enable two-factor authentication where available.
Contact Your Insurance Provider
Homeowners or renters insurance may cover stolen electronics. Your insurer may ask for information from the police report when processing a claim.
Notify Your Bank
If financial accounts were accessible from the laptop, contact your bank and let them know about the theft. Monitor your accounts for unusual activity.
Burlington-Area Law Enforcement Contacts
If your laptop was stolen in or around Burlington, these agencies can help you file a report:
How a Computer Shop Can Help With Recovery
Computer shops that buy used devices may maintain records of sellers and purchased equipment. If a stolen laptop later appears at a shop, those records may help law enforcement identify the device.
Providing complete identifying information when you file your report can make it easier to match a recovered laptop to the original report.
If you sell or trade a device with Computers for Change, we record purchase information as part of the transaction.
How to Prevent Laptop Theft
A few simple precautions can reduce the risk of theft and make recovery easier if your laptop does go missing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Information Should I Record About My Laptop?
Record the serial number, MAC address, make, model, color, and any distinguishing marks. Photos can also help document the laptop’s appearance.
Can I Track a Stolen Laptop?
Possibly. Macs can be tracked through Find My when it was enabled beforehand. Windows devices may also have built-in tracking features depending on the device and configuration.
Should I Report a Stolen Laptop to the Police?
Yes. Report the theft as soon as possible and provide the serial number and other identifying information. Keep a copy of the report or report number for your records and insurance claim.
Can a Computer Shop Help Recover a Stolen Laptop?
A shop may have records that can help law enforcement identify a stolen device if it is later brought in for sale or trade. However, recovery should be handled through law enforcement rather than attempting to retrieve the device yourself.
Does Homeowners or Renters Insurance Cover a Stolen Laptop?
It may, depending on your policy. Contact your insurance provider to confirm coverage and ask what documentation is required for a claim.
What Should I Do if My Laptop Is Stolen With My Passwords Saved?
Change passwords for important accounts as soon as possible, particularly email, banking, cloud storage, and other accounts containing sensitive information. Enable two-factor authentication where available.
Need Help With Your Computer?
Whether you need help securing your computer, transferring data, or dealing with another computer issue, Computers for Change can help.
Visit us at 196 College Street, Burlington, VT. or contact us with your question.