![](\"http:\/\/consumerist.com\/assets_c\/2010\/02\/laptoppy-thumb-250x209-37444.jpg\")
<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
Considering that laptops are designed to be easily carried and stowed away — and considering just how much important personal and financial information is often stored on them — it’s no surprise that they’re such a target for thieves. But there are some simple things you should do now in case it’s stolen in the future.<\/p>\n
Jake Guidry over at Chicagoist recently found himself the victim of laptop larceny and compiled this list of essential tips:<\/p>\n
\u2022 Have Serial Number and Receipt On File —<\/strong> this will be necessary to prove you are the rightful owner.<\/p>\n \u2022 Backup Your Hard Drive —<\/strong> This goes for all computers. Everyone takes for granted just how much they rely on the stored bits and bytes… and just how quickly they can disappear.<\/p>\n \u2022 Install Tracking Software — <\/strong>Guidry suggest LoJack, which will help authorities find your computer and (for Mac users) Orbicule, which turns on the iSight camera to record the thieves in action.<\/p>\n And in the sad situation that your laptop is taken, here are some steps you should take to improve your odds of getting it back:<\/p>\n \u2022 File A Report With Your Laptop Manufacturer —<\/strong> This could be helpful if some unwitting recipient of your laptop attempts to get it repaired by the manufacturer. It’s worth a shot, right?<\/p>\n \u2022 File a Police Report —<\/strong> Make sure you have the serial number so they’ll know they’ve found your computer.<\/p>\n \u2022 Call the Pawn Shops —<\/strong> Even if they haven’t bought your stolen computer off the thieves, they might remember someone trying to sell them one.<\/p>\n \u2022 Check Online Marketplaces —<\/strong> Ebay and Craigslist are occasionally used to unload stolen goods. And you never know, sometimes you’ll actually find your stuff<\/a>! <\/p>\n There are obviously many more things we can do to protect our personal property and data. Leave suggestions in the comments!<\/p>\n