For $20.00, you can prevent the theft of your laptop and valuable research. Students who wish to register their laptops with STOP should contact Campus Security We urge you to drop by the James Ferrier Building, 840 Docteur-Penfield (Room 105), Monday and Thursday, between 11h00 and 12h00. Contact us at 514-398-4556

Security Services focuses on STOP-ping laptop theft
New registration system designed to deter would-be thieves

Stolen laptops—along with the heartache and expense that accompanies them— could soon become a thing of the past on the McGill campus. Security Services has teamed up with hardware protection specialists Security Tracking of Office Property (STOP) to ensure that students’ belongings aren’t targeted for theft. McGill will become just the second Canadian university to implement STOP’s anti-theft and tracking system, which is used by over 5,000 companies and universities worldwide to protect their valuables.

“We have noticed a drop in laptop thefts since this program was instituted. We encourage everyone to register to this prevention program. Although not a guarantee, your laptop will stand a better chance of not being a target with the STOP system and your vigilance than without. Come on by and see us, it only takes a few minutes!” Pierre Barbarie, Associate Director, University Safety (Security Services).

The STOP system works by affixing a specially-made security plate to a laptop. Each plate carries a barcode that is registered with both McGill Security and STOP, and comes with a warning label letting would-be thieves know that ownership of the laptop is permanently monitored. Although this is not a GPS system, This makes it immediately obvious to a potential thief that resale— the prime reason for laptop theft— will be all but impossible. The warning label also lets thieves know they can’t simply remove the plate to sell the laptop; prying the plate loose requires 800-900 pounds of force, and the gel used to attach it leaves an indelible tattoo to indicate that the item is “Stolen Property,” keeping it out of pawnshops.

The value of STOP security plates goes beyond just deterrence. If a laptop should be lost or stolen, the barcode and 24-hour hotline listed on the plate allows anyone who finds it to contact STOP and ensure that the laptop is safely returned to its rightful owner.

Questions about the STOP program should be addressed to Alexandra Gregorian, at Alexandra Gregorian or by phone at 514-398-6112. More information about STOP can be found at www.stoptheft.com