Laptop stolen: what to do?

Having your laptop stolen is stressful, but taking the right steps quickly can help protect your personal information and possibly recover the device. This guide covers what to do in the first hours and days after a theft.

What to do first

1. Report to the police. File a theft report with your local police department as soon as possible. Provide the laptop's serial number, make, model, and any distinguishing features. Get a copy of the report or a case number; you may need it for insurance or recovery efforts.
2. Secure your accounts from a safe device. Use another trusted device (like your phone or a friend's computer) to change passwords for your laptop login, email, banking, social media, and any other accounts that were accessible from the laptop. Enable two-factor authentication where possible.
3. Use remote tracking and wipe tools if available. If you had enabled "Find My Device" (Windows, macOS, Android) or similar services, you may be able to locate, lock, or erase the laptop remotely. Only do this if you are certain the device is not in your possession and you are not putting yourself at risk. Do not attempt to confront a thief.
4. Notify your employer or school. If the laptop was issued by your workplace or school, inform their IT or security department immediately. They may have additional security protocols and can help protect company data.
5. Contact your bank and credit card companies. If you stored financial information on the laptop, alert your bank and credit card issuers to watch for suspicious activity. Consider freezing your credit if you suspect identity theft.

What NOT to do

• Do not try to recover the laptop yourself. Confronting a thief can be dangerous. Let law enforcement handle it.
• Do not delay changing passwords. Every minute counts; thieves may try to access your accounts quickly.
• Do not ignore the theft. Even if the laptop was old, the data on it could be valuable to criminals.

When to call for help

Call emergency services (e.g., 911 in the US) if the theft occurred during a break-in or if you feel unsafe. For non-emergency theft, contact your local police non-emergency line. If you notice unauthorized transactions or accounts opened in your name, contact your bank and consider filing a report with the FTC or equivalent consumer protection agency.

What to monitor

• Bank and credit card statements for unauthorized charges.
• Credit reports for new accounts or inquiries you did not initiate.
• Email and social media accounts for suspicious login alerts or password change notifications.

How to prevent future theft

• Enable full-disk encryption (e.g., BitLocker, FileVault) and a strong login password.
• Set up remote tracking and wipe features in advance.
• Back up your data regularly to an external drive or cloud service.
• Use a cable lock or keep your laptop secured when in public places.
• Never leave your laptop unattended in a car or public space.

After a theft, stay calm and act methodically. Reporting to the police and securing your accounts are the most important steps. If you have insurance that covers theft, contact your insurer after you have a police report. Remember to monitor your accounts for a few months.