Stolen hardware- Police database

[Geeddad1]

Have a look at what cops in the US & Canada are doing:

http://www.citytv.com/calgary/yourcity_35224.aspx

[Kareeser]

I like that idea... and I think it was discussed a bit here awhile ago.

The main problem with this is that even if you have widespread civilian adoption, you have to also make sure that the police use the website as well...

Also, a question I have lingering in my mind: What keeps a person from registering any random serial number as their own? Infinite possibilities there :)

[TwoRails]

Good idea, but as Kareeser says, everybody has to play...

[clroberts]

Well, I have personally registered quite a few items with the companies I have purchased them from so I don't think that they would be able to register the item again under a new name. That is one thing though. You have to remember to register the things that you purchase with each respective company before your items get stolen.

[David M]

Seems like more hassle than it is worth. The chances of getting stolen property back, numbered or not are slim to none. These items are sold to fellow dirtbags who don't care if what they are receiving is stolen or not. All it takes is a grinder to remove serial numbers anyways. Sorry to sound apathetic, but that is the reality.

[HAL9000]

I agree.. while it would be nice to have personal closure of getting something back, knowing the person was busted, etc.... one has to hit themselves in the head with the reality bat... the item is gone, chances are you're not getting it back, if you did, would you want it back (possibly damaged?) and chances are, the person got away with the crime as well. Sure, they will probably be caught someday, not necessarily for the crime against yourself.... but to someone else... and you'll never know they've been caught.

[clroberts]

I guess you could put a transponder with a satellite link to all your important items. Kinda like Onstar.. :)