Physical security measures

[Ramrod]

I'm looking to secure a PC, printer and screen to stop the casual thief from walking off with it. I've looked about online and found stuff like this.
Anyone have any experience of locking down hardware? Advice appreciated

[danielf]

For Desktops, you can get cages that get bolted to the floor.

[tizmeinnit]

A big angry Rottweiler will do the trick

[qasdfdsaq]

Originally Posted by Ramrod

I'm looking to secure a PC, printer and screen to stop the casual thief from walking off with it. I've looked about online and found stuff like this.
Anyone have any experience of locking down hardware? Advice appreciated

Does exactly what you want it to do - stop casual theft. We use thousands of those all over the place.

[Rob]

We tend to go simply for etched in markings something like; http://www.selectamark.co.uk/product_selectamark.html. If the etching is in a prominent place it becomes a lot less attractive even to the casual bod who might be popping in during the day to case your joint and then thinking of returning in the evening.

A casual thief is going to have to spend a bit of time unplugging stuff. Laptop's were always easier as it was just a case of picking them up. They are going to have to be quite cheeky to risk doing that unplugging during the day.

What tends to be more important is your overnight protection. Decent security alarm that is properly monitored. You don't even want these people to get into the building. Once they are in they will have the time they need to disable your securing bolts. Our office got burgled a few years ago and they didn't even bother unplugging stuff, they just took wire cutters to any leads in the way. Ultimately they won't be concerned about damage caused.

[Ramrod]

Originally Posted by danielf

For Desktops, you can get cages that get bolted to the floor.

Good idea but the cage probably costs more than the PC

---------- Post added at 14:55 ---------- Previous post was at 14:53 ----------

Originally Posted by Rob

We tend to go simply for etched in markings something like; http://www.selectamark.co.uk/product_selectamark.html.

I'll see what the boss says. Whether she wants to go for physical security or markings instead.

[Osem]

Replace your stuff with Packard Bell and nobody will want to steal it.

[Rob]

With an office PC, however well you secure it, there can be no substitute for proper offsite backups of the data. It may be a bit disruptive having to replace the kit, but few offices need their computers to be anything other than off the shelf type stuff. The real delay is in getting a replacement PC configured with all it's business applications, but if you don't have the data, or software .....

[qasdfdsaq]

Originally Posted by Rob

A casual thief is going to have to spend a bit of time unplugging stuff. Laptop's were always easier as it was just a case of picking them up. They are going to have to be quite cheeky to risk doing that unplugging during the day.

I'd disagree. The amount of times I've walked into an office or the library in t-shirt and jeans and just casually unplugged and taken a desktop PC or even carted it out the building under my arm without anyone batting an eyelid astounds me.

Especially considering I never wear my ID card visibly either.

[tizmeinnit]

Originally Posted by qasdfdsaq

I'd disagree. The amount of times I've walked into an office or the library in t-shirt and jeans and just casually unplugged and taken a desktop PC or even carted it out the building under my arm without anyone batting an eyelid astounds me.

Especially considering I never wear my ID card visibly either.

that is a very good point. Some of these thieves have exceedingly large testicles and do just walk in pick stuff up and walk out. Its the nervous thief that gets caught.

If an alarm on the premises does not put them off then chances are they are going have your kit anyway.

[Ramrod]

Bought this yesterday. I know that it's no great shakes but it'll make things just that bit harder for anyone to nick