My mac was stolen, I filed a police report... I just discovered there's a recall on the model and my serial number qualifies. If for some weird reason that laptop is brought into a store or someone tries to do the recall can I get it back?
MacBook Pro 15", macOS 10.12
That stinks your MacBook was stolen my friend. But to answer your question, if someone brings your MacBook Pro that is subject to the battery safety recall into an Apple Store (or Apple Authorized Service Provider) then Apple (or the service provider) will service it and give it back to them.
Apple doesn't check serial numbers with the local police department nor does it keep any database of goods reported as stolen by the customer.
If you have Find My Mac enabled you should lock your Mac and put a recovery message on there:
If your Mac is lost or stolen - Apple Support
Other than that, reporting it to the police and insurance company (renters, home owners, or auto if it was stolen from your car) is the only thing you can do I'm afraid.
That stinks your MacBook was stolen my friend. But to answer your question, if someone brings your MacBook Pro that is subject to the battery safety recall into an Apple Store (or Apple Authorized Service Provider) then Apple (or the service provider) will service it and give it back to them.
Apple doesn't check serial numbers with the local police department nor does it keep any database of goods reported as stolen by the customer.
If you have Find My Mac enabled you should lock your Mac and put a recovery message on there:
If your Mac is lost or stolen - Apple Support
Other than that, reporting it to the police and insurance company (renters, home owners, or auto if it was stolen from your car) is the only thing you can do I'm afraid.
Apple does not get involved in ALLEGATIONS of stolen Apple devices. They leave that to local law enforcement, who have special training in that area.
If you have ever been standing too close to a messy divorce, you will understand why I emphasize ALLEGATIONS of stolen computers.
Apple does not track nor recover stolen property.
It's greatly unfortunate that your MacBook was stolen, but to be honest it's actually good that Apple does not recover stolen Macs (unless it's been stolen from their store) reported by owners. Here's why. The person who stole your MacBook will try and sell it. The new owner may not know it's stolen.
Unless they keep up with tech news they won't know about Apple's battery recall program. But, say they do bring it in for the battery replacement do you honestly think it's fair for Apple to confiscate the MacBook from the guy who bought it from the thief? That guy is innocent. He just made a 3rd party purchase. He should not be penalized for someone else's thievery. Please understand my scenario. It's not to upset you. It's just to explain why it's better that Apple doesn't play Police if someone brings in a reported stolen MacBook for repair.
Now, Apple may refuse repair which is understandable but they should not confiscate stolen property that wasn't theirs to begin with.
Stolen Mac Qualifies For Recall
