The present invention is a television receiver that includes a memory that stores a first lock release code, an input device to input a second lock release code, a comparing portion to compare the second lock release code to the first lock release code, and a control portion to output a signal to operate the television receiver when the result of the comparison conforms. Also the present invention includes a method for preventing theft of an electronic device that includes the steps of storing a lock release code in a memory of the electronic device, providing information corresponding to the lock release code to a third party, requesting an input of the information corresponding to the lock release code, comparing input information to the lock release code stored in the memory, and disabling the electronic device when the result of the comparison is not conforming.