Abstract: An apparatus for inhibiting the theft of an electronic device includes a processor unit and a display device for displaying operational output from the processor. A receiver unit is included within the electronic device and is adapted to receive remotely transmitted signals that are capable of causing the processor unit to at least partially obscure or change the output on the display device after such signal has been received. The electronic device can be any device that produces a visible output. The obscuring of the display output is by overprinting a message informing you that the device is stolen, and more preferred versions include a unique identification code in that message. This enables the authorities to identify the true owner of the article. The receiver can be a receiver of a radio pager. Upon noticing the theft of the device the owner alerts a service provider who activates the receiver unit.