High value equipment such as computers, printers, copiers, fax machines etc. are all a key target for burglars. Advances in computer technology have led to an ever-decreasing size - this unfortunately plays into the hands of the thief.

Do not be misled into thinking that just because some equipment is bulky or heavy, it is safe. Thieves will always find ways to remove it.

• Careful consideration must be given when siting IT equipment. It is important to ensure that equipment is not visible from outside. Never place equipment on windowsills or on desks too close to a window.

• The installation of blinds or light reflective film can often stop the thief targeting your premises.

• Equipment should, where possible, be physically secured to a solid surface or structure. There are many items available on the market including; hawsers, cables, lock down plates, lockable clamps etc. all prevent cases of smash and grab especially by the opportunist thief during working hours. These offer the flexibility to temporarily secure equipment if it needs to be moved around on a regular basis.

• It is important to consider that the chips within the computer are often the real targets of break-ins. Enclosure systems are available, which deny access to any part of the computer once it is closed. These can be partial or total encasement, which are bolted to the desk or floor, but are not always practical or financially viable for every piece of equipment.

• In addition to clamping or enclosing, local alarm systems are a relatively inexpensive method of further securing the equipment.

• All equipment should be clearly marked with identity codes both on the main shell itself and internally (see page 25).

When choosing the correct system for your needs it is advisable to ask your insurance company whether they have a list of approved systems. In some cases, reduced premiums can be obtained.

A range of sophisticated tagging systems is now available where tags concealed within the equipment casing are detected as they pass sensors at exit points. These can be implanted into any piece of equipment however small (including computer memory boards etc.). Each contains a unique identification number, which can be detected by an electronic reader and traced immediately to the owner via a National Security Register (See also page 19).

Laptop Computers
Today's office is increasingly using laptop computers; these are a prime target for the thief both in and out of the office environment.

In the office environment these should be secured in docking units or never left unattended. For longer periods left alone, they should be locked away. Like all equipment, they should be clearly marked. Portable equipment could be electronically tagged so that should it be removed from the site without authority an alarm is activated. (See above).

Portable equipment is most beneficial for use out of the office environment - on-site and at home. Consideration must be given to its security in the transportation and storage outside of the secure office environment. There are some excellent secure vehicle boot storage boxes for laptops and other equipment.

If an employee is expected to work from home, then the company should ensure that any equipment kept or used at home by the employee is safeguarded.

Computer Chips
Although the value of many chips has reduced considerably, they remain sufficiently valuable to be worth stealing. For this reason, they remain a target for opportunist thieves, organised gangs and for members of staff.

It is therefore advisable to protect not only the computer casements but also the chips which can be marked and made identifiable rendering them almost valueless in terms of resale throughout most of the world and too dangerous for unauthorised use.

Progress in this field is taking place and there are currently two broad methods of marking (See page 25).

Replacing Stolen Equipment
Remember that you are more likely to suffer theft if you have previously been broken into. Always ensure that the necessary security measures have been taken BEFORE you replace equipment.

Thieves regularly break into offices, steal the computer systems and wait for you to purchase up-to-date replacements, which they then plan to remove. Do not replace equipment until after the required security measures have been satisfactorily installed.

Installation and Upgrading
When the company has new equipment installed or is upgrading old equipment, it should be checked by the IT Manager. They should check that all the work has been completed as requested - Contractors have been known to open up the cases, clean the insides and close them again without carrying out the agreed work.

On purchasing new equipment, do not leave the packaging lying around next to the bins or displayed in areas where it will announce your purchases to potential thieves.

Mobile Telephones
Although not as many of these are now stolen, they are still an attractive commodity and like laptops they should never be left on display on the office desk or in the car. If they are not needed on your person, store them somewhere safe, eg in the laptop safe in the boot.