PROTECTING YOUR LAPTOP AT AIRPORTS

Laptop computers are an easy target for professional thieves in airports. There are however precautions you can take to make sure your laptop arrives when you do.

It works like this-you put your computer on the conveyor belt at the metal detector, but someone steps through the security gate ahead of you carrying metal that will set off the alarm. This person blocks the gate as security guards check him, while a second takes your laptop which has passed through the scanner. The thief, and your laptop disappears into the crowd.

Before you put your laptop on the conveyor belt, make sure that you can get through quickly. Keep your eye on your computer and don't allow yourself to be distracted. Speak up quickly if you see suspicious activity.

Once you are through the gates and on the airplane, make sure you store your laptop in a compartment that is visible to you. Never place the laptop too far in front of you. Your computer can disappear while you’re waiting to get off the plane.