Stealing something that someone has stolen from you is theft in many jurisdictions in the US. Make sure you involve the police, as I suspect the same is true in Canada.
Ask HN: My friend's computer was stolen, and I might have the IP address.
11–20 of 36 posts
Re: Ask HN: My friend's computer was stolen, and I might have the IP address.
#12If ssh is running on it, redirect all web traffic to a page prompting them for their room number, to "get on the hotel wifi".
Edit: Assuming you can find it on the network, that is. Good luck; hope you can get it back.
Re: Ask HN: My friend's computer was stolen, and I might have the IP address.
#13You should avoid getting into direct conflict with the thief.
I suggest putting up signs offering a $200 cash no questions asked reward if the laptop is returned to the hotel front desk. Perhaps hotel management can knock on doors for you announcing the reward.
If you want to then take the laptop to the police and have it dusted for fingerprints that is your decision.
Most petty thieves just want cash and if the laptop isn't already sold it will probably be sold in the next day or two for $200 or less in cash.
Re: Ask HN: My friend's computer was stolen, and I might have the IP address.
#14The police will likely be pretty limited in what they're able to do. I suspect they'll have you file a police report, and then leave. Here's what I'd do ... and the success of this tactic will probably depend on how large the hotel is, and how helpful whomever you're dealing with wants to be. 1. See if you can get an idea from the hotel about how many of the rooms are occupied, and if it's a small number see if it's…
Emphasis on: The odds aren't in your favor.
Re: Ask HN: My friend's computer was stolen, and I might have the IP address.
#15If ssh is running on it, redirect all web traffic to a page prompting them for their room number, to "get on the hotel wifi". Edit: Assuming you can find it on the network, that is. Good luck; hope you can get it back.
that's brilliant!
Re: Ask HN: My friend's computer was stolen, and I might have the IP address.
#16Real life cops aren't like TV. They might take a report but won't spend an ounce of energy looking otherwise, even if you have the IP. Then again it's Canada so maybe they are less lazy/corrupt than US cops.
Sure there are lazy cops, but it's more of a risk/reward analysis. There's such a small chance of recovering the laptop, and since no violence involved, it's not worth the effort when the loss is relatively small, and there are crimes of greater consequence to respond to and resolve.
Re: Ask HN: My friend's computer was stolen, and I might have the IP address.
#17I agree with avoiding contact with the thief -- it's tempting to try some advanced tech solution, but lots can go wrong, including accusing innocent people.
Have you talked to the hotel staff? I'm sure theft is something they are used to dealing with. If no response from them, maybe you could call the hotel corporate HQ. It's a long shot, but maybe the hotel can reimburse through insurance. Also if you have a credit card sometimes they will provide limited travel insurance.
Re: Ask HN: My friend's computer was stolen, and I might have the IP address.
#18I recently recovered a laptop because I had installed Prey on it (http://preyproject.com/). It's free, sends you the IP, a webcam snap, desktop grab and attempts a geo-location.
I also always install Microsoft's Live Mesh on my machines, which is helpful for remote login if one has gone missing. Free. (https://www.mesh.com/)
Re: Ask HN: My friend's computer was stolen, and I might have the IP address.
#19Have you talked to the hotel manager? The parking lot is probably their property and they are responsible for what happens in it.
Alternatively, do you have full coverage on your car? If so, just call your insurance company and tell them what happened; they'll probably work something out with the hotel.
Other ideas: (I think) some credit cards cover theft if you use them for travel expenses and stuff is stolen while travelling.
The last thing you should be doing is tracking the down the items and trying to recover them yourself by force.
Re: Ask HN: My friend's computer was stolen, and I might have the IP address.
#20Stealing something that someone has stolen from you is theft in many jurisdictions in the US. Make sure you involve the police, as I suspect the same is true in Canada.
[citation needed]
A number of things you could do to facilitate recovering the property, such as entering someone else's hotel room without permission are illegal, though a defense of necessity might be available. I've never heard of it being a crime to take back the property itself.