Computer tracking software locates stolen laptops along with cache of stolen goods
A series of thefts over a two-year period at Colorado State University resulted in numerous Hewlett-Packard tablet computers, monitors and camera equipment being stolen.
“Video surveillance cameras on campus caught the alleged computer thieves in action, enabling University Police to identify the facial features of the accused, but video won’t give you a thief’s address,” explains Jon Schroth, Director of Technology, Colorado State University, College of Business.
Because Computrace laptop tracking and computer theft recovery software had been installed on the stolen computers, Absolute Software was able to supply the University Police Department with critical information, leading to the recovery of over $40,000 worth of stolen goods, including 9 HP tablet computers. Detective Adam Smith of the Colorado State University Police Department called it “the biggest equipment bust in the history of the department.”
“It was Computrace that provided the strongest lead in the case,” says Det. Smith. “Computrace provided irrefutable evidence – the IP address where the stolen computer was being used – so that we could apprehend the individuals currently facing charges. We are very impressed with Computrace.”
The 110 faculty and staff at the College are assigned Hewlett-Packard tablet computers, while the 2200 students at the College of Business enjoy free 3-hour checkout privileges to 50 Hewlett-Packard tablet computers owned by the College. Another 1000 students pursuing minors in Business studies also receive access. ComputraceComplete helps the IT department track and secure the checked-out computers on a daily basis, providing checks and balances with the manual tracking process.
“The tablet computer checkout program has been very popular with the students,” says Erick Selgren, IT Support Specialist for the College of Business. “We have had good luck supporting the program with little theft or breakage issues. In the future, we hope to expand the program and we will be installing Computrace on all the new computers.”
