The North Carolina Department of Insurance conducted a survey in the Fall of 1995 to determine what was being done by State agencies and Universities to prevent theft losses of computer equipment and to provide recommendations on what should be done to reduce the likelihood of such losses. From the survey responses and from the experience and observations of the Department of Insurance in handling of theft claims, the following list of recommendations was developed. Although directed primarily at computer thefts, these recommendations can be used to reduce theft losses to other types of equipment as well.

1. Establish a computer user policy that includes theft prevention information for employees.
2. Control access to areas with computers and lock these areas when unattended. Some agencies may choose to use a card access system or other method to secure the building or specific rooms.
3. Provide room and building keys only to those individuals who really need them, and maintain a record of all individuals who have keys.
4. Use tie-down devices to secure computer equipment when practical and appropriate to do so. These devices may not be suitable for portable equipment. In addition, university student stores should consider connecting individual computers on display to an alarm device.
5. Keep portable equipment, such as laptop computers, out of sight in locked desks, cabinets, rooms, automobiles, etc. when not in use.
6. Store new computer equipment that has been delivered but not set up our of sight in a secure location.
7. Clearly and permanently mark computer equipment with agency identification to deter theft and improve chances of recovery of stolen.
8. Increase employee awareness of the possibility of theft and advise them that they need to be alert to the activities of individuals who do not work in their building or area.

In addition to the above recommendations, the following are other measures that have been used by some agencies or universities and may be worth considering for additional security:

1. Place receptionist or other work area near entrance doors. Security guards or surveillance monitors may be used in certain situations.
2. Use intrusion alarms for buildings or rooms where justified.
3. Staff computer labs when the labs are being used and lock them at other times.
4. Establish a building liaison who is responsible for maintaining awareness of theft prevention.
5. Make police departments and local pawn shops aware of specific agency markings on equipment.