give a combination value k in the combination unit 13 u2032 they are then compared in a comparison unit 14 u2032 with a reference value r which is in turn stored in the memory unit 15 u2032 for example in the event of a negative result a signal is sent to a central alarm arrangement 19 u2032 which for example outputs an alarm signal locally and also signals to the doors of the hospital etc that a device may be being misappropriated an activation signal generator 18 u2032 is also used to output a corresponding activation signal ms and send it via the transmit receive module 11 u2032 to the device to be protected this then switches to the required operating state for example a lock out state alternatively it is also possible if the result is positive for the activation signal generator 18 u2032 to generate a corresponding activation signal ms which ensures that the device to be protected is first released the claimed system can therefore be used in a relatively simple manner to protect a number of components within an extensive institution u2014 for example a hospital u2014 in that simple use is made of the fact that the individual devices protect each other and it is therefore signaled to each device whether it is still in the permitted environment if a device is to be moved out of the environment in an authorized manner notification of this must be.