Interesting articles from folks that had there laptops stolen. had tracker software on them and tracked the machines, but not much done by the law. I hate to say it, its a common theme. Most officers are too overwhelmed to follow up on small thefts. Even if it leads to bigger fish being caught (if they steal one thing, what are the odds of something else). And its sometimes hard to prove.
Perhaps a remote self destruct would help prevent theft…if the thief sees the laptop turn into a puddle of melted goo…
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2013/04/19/laptop_plumpergeddon/