Download chance to protect computers

Officers will hand out free licences to the Lo-Jack system during The Big Day Out, a community social event being held at Grimsby Auditorium today.

The software, which is designed to protect laptops, can then be downloaded and activated once a computer has been stolen. This improves the chances of it being returned to its owner and helps police locate the thief and anyone handling stolen goods.

Officers are also using the event, organised by housing partnership Shoreline, to promote the use of Immobilise.com, a website that allows the public to create a password-protected inventory of personal belongings.

Det Chief Insp Gerry Darling said: Although as a partnership we have reduced this type of crime in recent years it is still frustrating to think there are people out there who are happy to make money by handling and selling on stolen goods, which in my eyes is as bad as committing the crime in the first place.

“The two schemes we are launching at the Shoreline event, Lo-Jack and Immobilise, will be vital tools for us when we find ourselves working quickly to try and locate stolen items during the early stages of an investigation.

“This in turn will help us catch those responsible for the crime or those who willingly help thieves by taking stolen items from them to sell on.

“We are aiming to give away a load of the Lo-Jack licenses on the day to the first laptop owners who come to our stand and speak to us so please make the most of this opportunity.

“Nationally, a laptop goes missing roughly every 50 seconds and most people keep sensitive and often sentimental information on their computers, so please help us to help you by making the most of this offer and also looking at signing up for the Immobilise.com site.”