What is the first step in the protocol for stolen equipment?

Filing a police report is the first step in the protocol for stolen equipment. This is important because it officially documents the theft and starts the legal process to investigate the incident. A police report is crucial for recovery efforts, as it enables law enforcement to track stolen items and potentially recover them. Additionally, having an official report can be beneficial for insurance claims or for your organization’s record-keeping.

By prioritizing this step, it emphasizes the seriousness of the incident and helps ensure that the appropriate authorities are involved immediately following the theft. Other actions, while important, come after notifying the police to ensure that proper legal procedures are followed.