Technology Tracks Stolen Computers

Police in Prince William County recovered more than $30,000 worth of stolen computer equipment thanks to modern tracking technology.

The computers were stolen from Country Wide Home Loans on Tacketts Mill Road in Lake Ridge. According to a police affidavit, the burglars broke through a window to get the computers and equipment.

However, the thieves apparently didn’t know that the computers had been loaded with software that is designed to keep track of computers.

The software is called ComputracePlus and is made by Absolute Software. At regular intervals, the computer relays its location to a main office.

A stolen laptop gave its location as a house on Pilgrim Drive in Lake Ridge. That gave police enough information to obtain a search warrant.

“We executed a search warrant at that residence last night and came up with $33,000 in computers and property. All three suspects were there. All three were charged with burglary, grand larceny,” said Detective Dennis Mangan of the Prince William County Police Department. [nbc4.com]