We never expect computer theft to occur until it's already too late. The price of small form-factor and convenience is the fact that it's now easier than ever for a shady figure to snag your mobile device when you're not aware, However, there is still hope; new security applications like Prey feature remote activation, allowing you to track any and all activity on your computer right down to being able to view the screen.
 
What You'll Need

Access to the internet
Tracking software installed on your device, such as Prey
Your stolen device's serial number

First Steps

Immediately engage the tracking software from the company's website and pay for any relevant upgrades to your account. Five dollars to the Prey Project allows you to store 100 log files instead of five — a wise investment.
 
The Cops

Decide whether you want to file a police report immediately or wait until you have more evidence. In any case, the police are eager to help. When you do file the police report, ask for a detective to be assigned to your case if they haven't volunteered one already. If you call the police to your home for an interview, be on the safe side and ask your roommates if there’s anything in the house they would rather not have the police looking at. It’s the polite thing to do.
Treat the officers like good friends that are doing you a favor instead of like the highway cop that gave you a ticket last week. They are on your side. If you're good with computers, don't assume that they are. You may have to explain many concepts to them while they file the report.

Compile a list of everything that was stolen, and list the value of each item as it was at the time you bought it. Include any expensive software packages that you may need to replace. A bigger-ticket item helps the police department help you.

The Detective

Within 48 hours, a detective should be assigned to the case. It's a good idea to exchange contact information with him and be polite and gracious. Keep every piece of paper that the police give you and follow up every e-mail with a phone call.
It will help set you apart from other cases if you take some initiative on the case. Learn the detective's work schedule. Be polite to the receptionist and — if you can — get him to associate your name with your case, such as “This is Mike, the guy with the stolen laptop? May I please speak to Detective So-and-So? Thanks!” This ensures they do not forget about you, and even when employed sparingly, these tips can help you get your gear back faster.

 The Hunt


If luck has it that the thief uses the laptop on a regular basis, you will be able to accrue a serious amount of data on him after just a few days. However, resist the urge to attempt retrieval yourself. Life is not an action film, and there is no honor in risking your life over a laptop..  

 Pro Tip:

 With Prey, you can choose to have the webcam take pictures of the perpetrator, but be careful with this, as many laptops have an LED that turns on when the webcam is active, possibly alerting the thief. Pictures serve as great leverage, but you want to avoid the thief freaking, selling the machine, and forcing you to do this all over again.

 
Continue to Inform Police

Continue to forward any and all relevant data you acquire to the police. Additionally, call to confirm they received each e-mail. Include summaries of what you find, such as the one below:
Your Name
Suspect's name
Suspect's Facebook name
Suspect's address
Computer model and serial number
Last known IP address of computer


Asking for a Favor

Now that you have all of the necessary data, you need to convince the detective to go on a retrieval mission. Keep in mind that this isn’t a cakewalk; at the very least he's taking time out of his day, and at worst he's risking his life for you.

The Thank You
 
Make sure you express gratitude in any way you can; you may meet again. 

 Preventing Future Thefts

You may be able to attribute the theft of your precious tech to a silly mistake or overlooked detail in your personal security. In my case, I didn't deadbolt my door after a party. I didn't even have the serial numbers of my devices written down.

 
Some Police Stations now have websites with crime prevention tips. Visit your local police department to see if something like this is available for you too, and you can bolster your security to avoid any future trouble.