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Stolen MacBook camera helps catch thieves

By Justin Mann, TechSpot.com
Published: May 12, 2008, 3:05 PM EST
Stolen MacBook camera helps catch thieves

(Previously reported on the Weekend Tech Reading) The device integration that laptops offer us today is pretty amazing, and even more so when these can be easily configured to act as remote security systems. A woman who had her MacBook stolen was able to use the very machine itself to catch the thieves thanks to a remote control software she had installed and the laptop's integrated webcam.

After the laptop was stolen, the thieves used it to get online – as a result, the victim was able to login to the laptop remotely and use the embedded webcam to take pictures of the thieves. After submitting the photo to the police, the two thieves were arrested and a plethora of electronics equipment was recovered from their apartment. While I am sure that no retail outlet wants to sell a laptop on the basis that it will help you catch crooks, this is a very humorous and interesting use of a simple piece of hardware found in many laptops today.

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User Comments (3)

Post a comment
forumq
on May 13, 2008
4:03 AM
astonishing story

TimeParadoX
on May 13, 2008
7:05 AM
It would have been really funny if they caught him while looking at porn.

phantasm66
on May 13, 2008
1:32 PM
Now that's just the coolest thing ever.

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