1. Home
  2. Services & Programs
  3. Electronic Device Registration

Computer Registration

Imagine what would happen if you lost your personal computer. Not only would you have to deal with the financial expense of replacing it, but you would lose all of the research, schoolwork and other information stored on it. Don’t risk losing yours to theft. Register your computer with the VCU Police Department.

In conjunction with the VCU Student Computer Initiative, all VCU students are encouraged to register their computer system with the VCU Police Department and clearly mark their equipment with a personally identifiable code to prevent theft.

How-To Guide for Computer Registrations

  1. Click to register/manage your PC. 
  2. Fill in the blanks for personal information (if some information does not apply, type "NA").
  3. Complete the computer information section. For help finding your MAC address, please contact the VCU IT Support Centerat (804) 828-2227.
  4. Click "Save & Submit".

Theft Recovery Software

The VCU Police Department encourages students to install theft recovery software on their personal computer. One example of theft recovery software is LoJack® for Laptops. This is a software-based theft recovery and data security service. In the event of theft – LoJack for Laptops can track, locate, and recover stolen computers while providing you with the ability to protect your personal information against identity theft.

Marking Computers

Operation Identification is a nationally recognized theft prevention program that involves indelibly marking and/or engraving property with traceable ownership information and recording manufacturers’ serial numbers and owner-applied identification information in a property inventory. VCU Police promotes Operation ID to discourage theft and internal losses. Property that has been permanently marked is difficult to pawn or convert to personal use by thieves.

Marking your computer for identification

  • Do not engrave anywhere on your computer. Engraving causes high-speed vibrations that can damage your computer and/or void your warranty.
  • Personal computers: Using a permanent marker, mark the two-letter abbreviation for your licensing state and your driver’s license number in a visible place, e.g.,T67191234VA. With this information, police can query your state’s driver’s files to obtain your name and address if your property is recovered. Please be aware that if you elect to mark your property with a personal code, the police will not be able to identify you using this code.

Assistance

If you need assistance with computer registrations, contact a Crime Prevention officer at (804) 828-1209 or email crimeprevreq@vcu.edu.