A digital radio includes an identification number available only to the digital radio itself. A transmitted band received by the digital radio includes an identification number in an information channel. When the two identification numbers match, then the digital radio performs at least one function included in the information channel or, accesses a preselected procedure. In either situation, the presence of the matching identification number in an information channel results in the execution of instructions causing the digital radio to suspend operation, e.g., by deleting certain files. These digital radio can only be reactivated by the manufacturer, e.g., by the reinstallation of the deleted files. In this manner, the digital radio, being inoperative, is useless to a thief. In addition, one of the activities enabled by the identifying number in the information channel, when the digital radio is installed in a vehicle, can be the disabling of the vehicle.