STOP HOTLINE 1.800.488.STOP
 

Frequently Asked Questions - STOP Security Plates
 
Considering Purchasing a STOP Plate...
What makes STOP unique?
What are the STOP Security Plate dimensions?
Do you offer a small sized STOP Plate for PDAs, Digital Cameras or other small devices?
Does the STOP Security Plate System use "stealth" software, GPS or similar electronic tools to trace lost or stolen equipment?
Is there an annual renewal fee or are there other service charges?
What does the STOP Security Plate kit include?
Is my STOP anti-theft and recovery service transferable to another item?
How does STOP protect my privacy?
Are STOP Security Plates available for home and personal use?
How do I order STOP Security Plates?
How do I install the STOP Security Plates on my equipment?
Do I have to use the Tattoo Activating Gel when installing STOP Security Plates?
Do I have to clean the surface with the Alcohol Cleaning Swab?
Can I use my equipment immediately after installing a STOP Plate?
How do I register my STOP Security Plate?
How do I notify STOP of changes to my contact information?
Can I remove a STOP Security Plate from equipment?
I just replaced a defective LCD/lid on my laptop, how do I replace the original STOP Security Plate that was on the defective lid?
I'm selling my STOP-tagged equipment. Do I need to notify STOP?
I am looking to lease computers, can I still use STOP Plates?
I purchased an item that has the STOP Security Plate on it. Should I remove the Plate?
I'm thinking about selling my equipment protected with STOP Security Plates. Is STOP's anti-theft and recovery service transferable to the new owner?
I'm a TSA Agent and one of our security agents just recovered a laptop left by a traveler at an airport-screening checkpoint. How do I file a report?
Someone wants to pawn a laptop tagged with a STOP Security Plate. How do I verify it is not stolen goods?
My laptop was stolen. How do I report it?
I lost or misplaced my laptop. How do I report this?
I found a laptop with a STOP Security Plate on it? How do I return it to its rightful owner?
 
How does the STOP Anti-Theft System work?
STOP's patented anti-theft protection deters theft at the source making it virtually impossible to resell the item:
— Each item is affixed with a patented, permanent bar-coded security plate.
— The plate is impossible to remove without defacing the equipment casing.
— If the plate is removed, a patented "Stolen Property" Tattoo and the 24/7 toll-free number, 800-488-STOP, remain chemically etched into the device.
 
What makes STOP unique?
STOP is the only security system that offers theft prevention, equipment recovery and asset management. STOP is the logical, cost-effective choice in equipment protection and tracking. No other identification system offers STOP's patented, chemically etched "Stolen Property" Tattoo, online registration system and 24/7 toll-free recovery hotline.
 
What are the STOP Security Plate dimensions?
The standard Plate measures 2-1/2" wide x 2-1/8" high by .012" thick. This Plate is best suited for notebook computers, desktop computers — any portable electronic device with enough flat space in a highly visible area to accommodate the Plate.
 
Do you offer a small sized STOP Plate for PDAs, Digital Cameras or other small devices?
Yes. We do offer a small Plate that measures 2" wide x 3/4" high x .012" thick.
 
Does the STOP Security Plate System use "stealth" software, GPS or similar electronic tools to trace lost or stolen equipment?
STOP's patented permanent identification system offers a physical theft deterrent and recovery marking and asset management solution. It does not include any electronic tracing components.
However, STOP offers STOPMonitor, a real-time asset tracking, geolocation and data-protection software system that perfectly complements the up-front physical anti-theft, recovery and inventory tracking features of our STOP Security Plates.
Please contact us at 1-800-488-STOP of click here for more information on STOPMonitor.
 
Is there an annual renewal fee or are there other service charges?
No. The one-time STOP Security Plate price includes lifetime services and support, with no annual renewal or additional fees. You will be responsible for the associated shipping costs.
 
What does the STOP Security Plate kit include?
The STOP Security Plate kit includes:
— STOP Security Plate with patented "Stolen Property" Tattoo
— A Red Warning Sticker
— Alcohol Cleaning Swab
— Tattoo Activating Gel (small quantity orders)*
— Registration instructions
*When purchasing large quantities of plate, it is more cost-effective to purchase Installation Kits separately. Contact us at 1-800-488-STOP (7867) if you have questions prior to ordering.
 
Is my STOP anti-theft and recovery service transferable to another device?
No. The lifetime service is specific to the device to which the STOP Security Plate is installed and registered. A new item requires its own STOP Security Plate and registration.
However, the STOP Security Plate and lifetime service are transferable to new legitimate owners when you sell, donate or otherwise dispose of your STOP-tagged device.
 
How does STOP protect my privacy?
STOP respects its customers' privacy and adheres to a strict Privacy Policy.
 
Are STOP Security Plates available for home and personal use?
Yes. STOP Security Plates are just as effective in deterring theft for your personal belongings as they are for school systems or business and government enterprise assets. Purchasing is quick and easy when you buy online.
 
How do I order STOP Security Plates?
We accept orders:
— Online -- click Buy from the navigational header anywhere on our Web site, www.stoptheft.com, and follow the online instructions.
— Via telephone at 1-800-488-STOP (7867).
— Via fax to 203-945-2027 (company purchase orders only).
For corporate price quotes and confirmations, contact one of our National Account Executives:
— Doug Belfiore doug@stoptheft.com 1-800-488-STOP ext. 103
— Brad Van Gemert brad@stoptheft.com 1-800-488-STOP ext. 107
— Eileen Nanai eileen@stoptheft.com 1-800-488-STOP ext. 102
 
Installing the STOP Security Plate
 
How do I install the STOP Security Plates on my equipment?
Download detailed installation instructions from our Support page.
 
Do I have to use the Tattoo Activating Gel when installing STOP Security Plates?
YES. The Tattoo Activating Gel permanently bonds the patented "Stolen Property" Tattoo to the equipment's surface, so if the STOP Security Plate is removed by a thief, the Tattoo will remain bonded to the device, eliminating illicit resale value. You must follow the Plate installation instructions as specified. No other glue can be substituted.
 
Do I have to clean the surface with the Alcohol Cleaning Swab?
YES. Cleaning the item's surface with the Alcohol Cleaning Swab is a critical step in the STOP Security Plate installation. A clean surface ensures a uniform, permanent bond between the Plate, the "Stolen Property" Tattoo and the surface. DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP even if the item is brand new or appears clean. The surface may still have a factory-applied mold release residue that will affect the performance of the Tattoo Activating Gel.
 
Can I use my equipment immediately after installing a STOP Plate?
Yes! When applied according to instructions, the Plate and Tattoo will bond instantly to the equipment's surface. Complete curing of the Tattoo Activating Gel will continue for 24-48 hours after installation, but will not interfere with normal use of your equipment.
 
Already Purchased and Installed my STOP Plate
 
How do I register my STOP Security Plate?
Click on Register/Login from anywhere on our Web site www.stoptheft.com for quick, easy registration.
STOP Import Template: Use this Excel template to batch-register your STOP-tagged devices
STOP Decommissioned STOP-tagged Equipment Template: Use this Excel template to notify us of devices that you have retired/decommissioned/discated/donated.
If you experience difficulty registering, consult Need Help Registering or call us at 1-800- 488-STOP (7867).
 
How do I notify STOP of changes to my contact information?
Click on Register/Login from anywhere on our Web site www.stoptheft.com to update your registration information anytime.
If you experience difficulty updating your information, consult Need Help Registering or call us at 1-800-488-STOP (7867).
 
Can I remove a STOP Security Plate from equipment?
NO! DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REMOVE THE STOP PLATE FOR ANY REASON!
Removing the STOP Security Plate will deface the equipment casing and reveal both the indelible "Stolen Property" Tattoo and STOP's toll-free number.
 
I just replaced a defective LCD/lid on my laptop, how do I replace the original STOP Security Plate that was on the defective lid?
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REMOVE THE STOP PLATE FOR ANY REASON!
STOP Security Plates are PERMANENTLY bonded to the device's surface so the original STOP Plate cannot be removed from the defective LCD lid. In these situations, call us at 1-800-488-STOP (7867) to arrange for replacement plates. Replacement Plates cost as little as $8.75 each, plus Gel, shipping and handling. You must provide us with the original STOP Security Plate ID Number so we can swap it in our master registry with the new one we'll be sending you.
 
Buying or Selling STOP-Protected Equipment
 
I'm selling my STOP-tagged equipment. Do I need to notify STOP?
Yes. Registered owners should notify STOP when they sell, donate, transfer or otherwise dispose of STOP-protected equipment. Upon notification, we clear the specific plate ID number registration information in our registry and then open the ID number for re-registration. If STOP is not notified in advance, the new owner's attempts to re-register the item will require additional verification steps.
 
I purchased an item that has the STOP Security Plate on it. Should I remove the Plate?
NO! DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REMOVE THE STOP PLATE!
Removing the STOP Security Plate will deface the equipment casing and reveal both the indelible "Stolen Property" Tattoo and STOP's toll-free number.
The original owner of the item you've purchased protected it with STOP's lifetime anti-theft protection and recovery service. As a courtesy, we can verify the item's ownership information to expedite your FREE online re-registration of this service.
Ownership verification is simple and quick. You merely enter the STOP Security Plate ID number and your contact information in the online form.
 
I just purchased a used laptop. Is it true I can re-register it in my name for no charge?
Yes. Online re-registration of legitimately sold, previously owned items protected with STOP Security Plates is FREE. The lifetime, anti-theft protection and recovery service is specific to the item tagged with the STOP Security Plate.
As a courtesy, we can verify the item's ownership information to expedite your FREE online re- registration.
Ownership verification is simple and quick. You merely enter the STOP Security Plate ID number and your contact information in the online form.
 
I'm thinking about selling my equipment protected with STOP Security Plates. Is STOP's anti-theft and recovery service transferable to the new owner?
Yes. The lifetime service is specific to the item to which the STOP Security Plate is installed and registered. Once the original owner pays the one-time fee, all subsequent legitimate owners benefit from the lifetime service.
However, to benefit from STOP's lifetime anti-theft protection and recovery service, new owners must re-register the STOP Security Plate ID number with their contact information. Online re- registration is FREE.
IMPORTANT: We do ask registered owners to notify STOP when they sell, donate, transfer or otherwise dispose of STOP-protected equipment. Upon notification, we clear the specific Plate ID number registration information in our Security Plate Online Registration System and then open the ID number for re-registration. If STOP is not notified in advance, the new owner's attempts to re-register the item will be unsuccessful.
 
I am looking to lease computers, can I still use STOP Plates?
Yes, If you are developing a leasing RFP, be sure to include the STOP plates as part of the agreement. This will allow the leasing company to develop a proposal with the knowledge the STOP plates will be on the equipment when returned. We can educate the Leasing company on how our product works and that we can transfer the same STOP protection to the new owners, when sold, at no charge. When STOP-tagged devices are resold with the STOP System’s antitheft, recovery and online registration features listed as a value add, they are more prone to resale at a higher price than devices that are not protected with STOP.
 
Lost and Found
 
I'm a TSA Agent and one of our security agents just recovered a laptop left by a traveler at an airport-screening checkpoint. How do I file a report?
Contact STOP immediately toll-free at 1-800-488-STOP (7867). If you reach our after-hours recorded message, you do NOT have to wait for the voice prompt. You may press "3" on your phone's touchtone pad at any time to reach our 24/7 Recovery Hotline Service.
You may also file an Equipment Found Notification report through our Web site.
E-mail is another option. Send e-mail to stopcontact@stoptheft.com. Include the following:
— STOP Security Plate ID Number,
— Brand, model and serial number of the equipment
— Airport location
— Contact phone number and email address
 
Someone wants to pawn a laptop tagged with a STOP Security Plate at my store. How do I verify it is not stolen, and free and clear for resale?
Contact STOP immediately at 1-800-488-STOP (7867). We advise you not to complete the transaction until you know the ownership status of the equipment. A STOP Representative will assist you in determining the item's availability for resale. We will ask you for the STOP Security Plate ID number to research it in our master registry.
 
Someone brought a laptop tagged with a STOP Security Plate to my repair shop. How do I verify it is not stolen, and free and clear for resale?
Contact STOP immediately at 1-800-488-STOP (7867). We advise you not to complete the transaction until you know the ownership status of the equipment. A STOP Representative will assist you in determining the item's availability for resale. We will ask you for the STOP Security Plate ID number to research it in our master registry.
 
My STOP-tagged laptop was stolen. How do I report it?
First, contact the local police department immediately to file a report and obtain a case number. Then:
—  Contact STOP toll-free at 1-800-488-STOP (7867).
—  If you reach our after-hours recorded message, you do NOT have to wait for the voice prompt. You may press "3" on your phone's touchtone pad at any time to reach our 24/7 Recovery Hotline Service.
— Provide the following information:  

  • Your name and phone number, including area code.  
  • STOP Security Plate ID Number of the stolen equipment.  
  • Brand, model and serial number of stolen equipment  
  • Police report/case number, if available.  
  • Date, time, place, and details of incident.
     

— You may also file a Lost Equipment Notification report through our Web site.
— If the stolen laptop belongs to your employer or school or other organization, also contact your administrator immediately.
 
I lost or misplaced my laptop. How do I report this?
Contact STOP toll-free at 1-800-488-STOP (7867) immediately.
—  If you reach our after-hours recorded message, you do NOT have to wait for the voice prompt. You may press "3" on your phone's touchtone pad at any time to reach our 24/7 Recovery Hotline Service.
—  Provide the following information:  

  • Your name and phone number, including area code.  
  • STOP Security Plate ID Number of the stolen equipment.  
  • Brand, model and serial number of stolen equipment  
  • Date, time, place, and details of loss.
     

—  You may also file a Lost Equipment Notification report through our Web site.
—  If the lost or missing laptop belongs to your employer or school or other organization, also contact your administrator immediately.
 
I found a laptop with a STOP Security Plate on it? How do I return it to its rightful owner?
Contact STOP toll-free at 1-800-488-STOP (7867) immediately.
—  If you reach our after-hours recorded message, you do NOT have to wait for the voice prompt. You may press "3" on your phone's touchtone pad at any time to reach our 24/7 Recovery Hotline Service.
—  Provide the following information:  

  • Your name and phone number, including area code.  
  • STOP Security Plate ID Number of the found equipment.  
  • Brand, model and serial number of equipment  
  • Date, time, place, and details of recovery.
     

—  You may also file an Equipment Found Notification report through our Web site.