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If you travel with your notebook, picture this scenario: Two people are in front of you in the security check line. You place your laptop on the conveyor belt in preparation for going through. The first man moves through easily, while the second gets stuck by the detector. He begins a slow process of unloading watch, change, keys, etc., while the first man picks up your laptop and moves on. When the second man finally gets done, you move through and find your laptop long gone.

Far fetched? Actually it’s a very popular scam going on every day at airports all over America, according to Kevin Coffey, an LAPD officer and travel safety consultant, speaking in Mobile Office magazine. How can you protect yourself? Here are some ideas:

• Keep your notebook in hand or in view at all times. It only takes a few seconds for it to disappear.
• Forego the metal detector. Request that your portable be inspected by hand, and don’t store it in the overhead compartment on the plane.
• Keep a low profile. Fancy custom carrying cases are a red flag for thieves. Choose a nondescript bag instead. An old one is even better.
• Buy a locking device that will secure your laptop to other luggage, hotel room fixtures, etc. These are available for as little as $30. (Ed.: If you can’t find one, call us.)
• Back up your portable’s hard drive before the trip, and only bring the files you will need on the trip.
• Trace the call. Absolute Software in Vancouver markets a system that, when installed in a portable, regularly places toll-free calls to the company’s office. If reported stolen, Absolute Software tracks down the laptop by tracing the phone call.

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