Crimes against the Pinoy techie: Stolen laptops, DSLRs, and other gadgets

While blog hopping this morning I ran into Lizette’s entry about a brand new MacBook Pro being stolen from a car parked outside The Podium.  Now imagine that comfortable feeling of being at a high-end mall with a trusted security agency as compared to walking a backstreet alley in Divisoria.  Issue: There’s no difference.

Reading that horrifying entry led me to a recent ordeal by Pao Araos’ when his laptop and other gadgets were stolen from his car which was parked within view of a security guard at MC Home Depot at The Fort.  He was only away from his vehicle for a few minutes.  Issue: Glass shattering from a vehicle just 20 meters away from the security guard allegedly does not draw guard’s attention.  Kebs yung guard.

Lastly, a laptop (in its bag) gets sweeped up and taken out of a restaurant in the blink of an eye without the owner realizing it.  This incident was shared by Jane’s husband.  Issue: Beware the modus operandi.

The three stories hit home because I regularly commute with my gadgets.  My personal belief that cellphones are the prime targets of thieves and snatchers is now shattered with the facts of stolen laptops and DSLRs circulating on other blogs.

So what can we do?

Here are some useful suggestions lifted from Jane (and I quote):

It is harder to steal a laptop that is open, on a table, and plugged to an outlet. It is a lot easier to pick up a laptop inside a bag and just carry it away.

Laptop bags are better off placed in a conspicuous place like a table top rather than below on the floor. I used to think that placing it near my feet was safer but apparently it is not.

We must always be aware of our surroundings, observe people sitting close by and consider sitting in a place that could deter crime. Sitting close to the exit is not advisable as this makes theft too easy.

Lizette warns the public about purchasing a second-hand gadget:

If you happen to see a Macbook Pro on sale or have bought one without a box, manual, and drivers, please check the serial number. The serial number of Marco’s laptop is w88522kh1g0. We’re willing to offer a reward for this information as well. (Please, please spread the word. You can email me at lizlanuzo[at]yahoo[dot]com[dot]ph if you have any relevant info.)

You might also be interested in reading these:

Laptop and camera thefts are on the rise — Annalyn

Let’s be vigilant in guarding our things!

Subscribe to my feed or get e-mail updates!