Possibility of recovering stolen iPad 2 and Macbook

Hello,

This past Monday my apartment in El Centro, CA, was burglarized and the aforementioned items were stolen. Both items were pretty new, uninsured, and with no security measures installed. The MacBook wasn't even set up to require a log in at boot up. Yes, I know, I'm a moron.

All I have are the serial #'s and a police agency in one of the poorest areas of the nation investigating. Any suggestions on tracking these devices?

Thanks in advance,


VIGILANTE

I hate to tell you this, but unless you're extremely lucky you will probably never recover those items. With the amount of burglaries that take place in any large city, it's unlikely the police will spend much time if any, on your particular incident. Keep the police report as proof of loss for when you file your 2011 taxes.

As for tracking the iPad or MacBook... without any preinstalled security or tracking software installed, there is no way to do so.

chscag said:

I hate to tell you this, but unless you're extremely lucky you will probably never recover those items. With the amount of burglaries that take place in any large city, it's unlikely the police will spend much time if any, on your particular incident. Keep the police report as proof of loss for when you file your 2011 taxes.

As for tracking the iPad or MacBook... without any preinstalled security or tracking software installed, there is no way to do so.

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Thanks for the reply. Its a small (40,000) city, though, and its one burglary in a series in the apartment complex.

What security measures do forum members recommend?

Perhaps not leaving valuable, portable equipment unattended...or securing such when not present. May seem like a hassle ( not sure why ) but realistically...what else is there...

Of course the best security is to keep things securely locked up somewhere out of sight. However, break ins at apartment complexes are quite common especially for apartments which are on the ground floor level.

As for measures you can take: Use a firmware password. (Access the Apple knowledge base to learn how.) Install security and tracking software. Here is one company that sells it - Orbicule.

Also, if you live in an apartment complex, buy renter's insurance with a small or no deductible. Renter's insurance is inexpensive.

My advice would be to take it to Apple. Although they don't physically track down stolen macbooks and other Apple hardware, they do have the ability to write down notes or comments on stolen property along with their serial numbers. So, when someone brings it in to the store, they will know if it's you bringing it, or the person who stole it or purchased it from the burglar. It's honestly the only thing I would do. Even police departments aren't motivated enough for such a case! I also have MobileMe, and can track the ipad. That would easily help you track down both of them if you had the service, and did it in a timely fashion.

chscag said:

Of course the best security is to keep things securely locked up somewhere out of sight. However, break ins at apartment complexes are quite common especially for apartments which are on the ground floor level.

As for measures you can take: Use a firmware password. (Access the Apple knowledge base to learn how.) Install security and tracking software. Here is one company that sells it - Orbicule.

Also, if you live in an apartment complex, buy renter's insurance with a small or no deductible. Renter's insurance is inexpensive.

Click to expand...

Another option is the product known as Prey. It's free for the basic version, which is quite effective.

And of course, for the iPad, you can use Apple's free 'Find my iPhone'.

Open source anti-theft solution for Mac, PCs & Phones – PreyI second the suggestion made by cwa107; Prey is an excellent (and free) security measure that you can install.

Moss said:

Open source anti-theft solution for Mac, PCs & Phones – PreyI second the suggestion made by cwa107; Prey is an excellent (and free) security measure that you can install.

Click to expand...

Even if your Mac is not at risk, I think you'd be remiss not to install the Prey client. It only takes a minute and it's completely unobtrusive.

Prey is new to me! Thanks for the link. I'm definitely going to try that.

the renters insurance is well worth it. take pics of your stuff and store them as well. i had a crackhead neighbor that burned down our apartment, luckily we were at work. all our stuff was paid for because of the photos. you cant trust anybody living in the same building.