Mark your Laptop. Marking your laptop can help with the recovery of a stolen (or lost) laptop. Engrave your information (Name, Phone Number, Driver License State and Driver License Number) onto your laptop or use a tamper-resistant asset tag. The best proof that something is yours is your name right there on the stolen item.

Keep a record in a safe and secure place of the Make, Model, Serial Number, and Value of your laptop. In the event your laptop is stolen you will need this information to file a police report. 

Don’t use an obvious laptop carrying case. The custom laptop case tells the casual thief that something valuable is inside. Stay away from the laptop carrying cases with computer company logos. Consider using a non-descript soft sided, laptop case which doesn’t draw undo attention to your computer. Backpacks are also good places to store laptops.

Register your laptop and its software. Be sure to send in your laptop’s registration card, or register it online. Also, register all software that you use. If someone steals the laptop, alert the manufacturer and software vendors. Some companies will alert you if someone using your laptop ever tries to get the system fixed or upgraded.

Consider subscribing to a software-based laptop tracking service like LoJack for Laptops.

Be aware of your surroundings. When you are out with your laptop, stay aware of where your computer is and who may have access to it. Watch your laptop!

For example, when dining out, put the laptop in its case beneath the table and between your feet. If you need to leave the table, either take the laptop with you or ask a friend to keep an eye on it for you.

Be mindful of distractions. Thieves sometimes work in pairs or groups. They may cause a commotion and distract you while they steal your stuff.

Lock it down. Your laptop probably comes with a hole or slot into which you can connect a security cable. The only way a thief can remove your laptop from a fixed object like a desk or table at a coffee shop is by cutting the cable to free the laptop. Some cables also come with alarms. You can find alarms that sound when someone cuts the cable, plus alarms that sound when anyone moves the laptop.