Laptop Lock - Will It Be A Deterant In Phuket

[MisterMan]

Ok perhaps this should go in the Internet forum but since we are dealing with the highly unsophisticated Phuket buglars (unless they are using the much speculated sleeping gas then they are a level more sophisticated I suppose) and it is the people in Phuket who are familiar with the same old story I thought I would get the best feedback here.

I have a new computer and I get tired of hiding it everytime I go out or even to sleep. so i was thinking of buying one of those computer locks, also I am going to the states so can pick it up there. they are cheap on Ebay.

Do you think that the Phuket burglars carry wire cutters with them? and would this deter them ?

Of course I know it is not full proof but it may work here...

although I did see the boatboy on a dive boat I work on pick a combination lock of a guest who forgot their combination in about 5 minutes.

[thaimite]

Ok perhaps this should go in the Internet forum but since we are dealing with the highly unsophisticated Phuket buglars (unless they are using the much speculated sleeping gas then they are a level more sophisticated I suppose) and it is the people in Phuket who are familiar with the same old story I thought I would get the best feedback here.

I have a new computer and I get tired of hiding it everytime I go out or even to sleep. so i was thinking of buying one of those computer locks, also I am going to the states so can pick it up there. they are cheap on Ebay.

Do you think that the Phuket burglars carry wire cutters with them? and would this deter them ?

Of course I know it is not full proof but it may work here...

although I did see the boatboy on a dive boat I work on pick a combination lock of a guest who forgot their combination in about 5 minutes.

Deterrent? Yes

Guaranteed? NO

The question is How much of a deterrent? I think it will only slow down opportunist thieves, but will be little defense to the dedicated kamoy

[MisterMan]

So a Kamoy some into my house, a labourer, a teenager or whatever. How likely is he going to have some bolt/wire cutters?

I think not likely... perhaps he can pick the lock. Perhaps he will break the lap top trying to get it but I think in America for example the home burglar might be more well equipt then the Kamoy(buglar) here.

[T_Dog]

Since I know of three people up here in Chiang Mai that have had laptops stolen from their condo or home, I use one. None of the three had the cable. I doubt thieves come very prepared, and in all likelihood, they will yank on the laptop until the sheet metal inside gives. So... They either get the computer or leave you with a pretty mangled unit. The metal inside notebook computers is really not substantial enough to prevent a determined or excited burglar. You might think of some time of loud alarm system in combination with the cable to make the theft as frustrating as possible.

On another note, make sure you make a backup of all your files, and store the backup away from your computer so you can rebuild if you do lose your laptop.

[steelepulse]

It's cheap so/so insurance, but better than nothing until they yank on the cable and ruin your laptop.  You could always buy a small safe, attach it and put your laptop inside.

[MisterMan]

It's cheap so/so insurance, but better than nothing until they yank on the cable and ruin your laptop. You could always buy a small safe, attach it and put your laptop inside.

Oh I put it "away" every day and every night. just would be nice to have it up and running without having to live like that. The area I live in is not known for break-ins as we have plenty of dogs etc.. not the most residential neighborhood and a very Thai house however there is some building going on near by and I worry.

I also always leave out my 5 year old Compaq hoping that if they get that brick/ monster they would be satisfied with that.. and perhaps my jars of coins.

OK I think I will post in the internet forum to and see what they say.

So does everyone in Phuket hide their laptop when they go to sleep or leave the house, even in the day? Perhaps this should be a new thread and something people should consider before buying here.. haha

[LivinginKata]

So does everyone in Phuket hide their laptop when they go to sleep or leave the house, even in the day? Perhaps this should be a new thread and something people should consider before buying here.. haha

We use a desk top at home, which I hope is too big for any sneak thief. I also have a back-up notebook, and yes I do try to 'hide' it in a less obvious corner. Quite honestly I think that cable system is a complete waste of time as any thief would just try to pull it out, thus breaking the entire PC casing.

[britmaveric]

I have seen laptop locks with built in audio alarms - high pitch siren goes off if cable is cut or tampered with. Scare the <deleted> out of you if you are a thief.

[steelepulse]

I personally don't worry about getting the laptop stolen, but I do weekly backups of all data so if it was to go missing, then I'd just be out the time and money to get a new one, load up the software etc. BUT, there are much easier targets around than my house.

[MisterMan]

I personally don't worry about getting the laptop stolen, but I do weekly backups of all data so if it was to go missing, then I'd just be out the time and money to get a new one, load up the software etc. BUT, there are much easier targets around than my house.

I have a new mac and dont want to have to replace it. I have backups of data already.

Wonder where I can get the cable with the high pitch siren.

[blackkopee]

I saw them one with high pitch siren but can't remember what shop where i saw them. MisteMan

[paulfromphuket]

my new alarm system

[fiddlehead]

Here's one you could incorporate with a regular notebook lock: click here

I too think this is a good idea although it might be a bit tough to turn off if it goes off accidently, or the cat, or kids, or maybe even gecko sets it off.

Let me know if anyone tries it.

[cpofc]

Maybe if you attached the other end to the pin of a fragmentation grenade, but other than that these devices surely would only stop the 'honest thief'.

If a Thai targeted your Notebook, he would come 'equipped to steal'.

[MisterMan]

my new alarm system

He looks more like he has the potential to be very Friendly.. what happened to his nose?

[steelepulse]

MM,

I just saw in the online gazette a guy selling a safe as part of his moving sale.

[paulfromphuket]

my new alarm system

He looks more like he has the potential to be very Friendly.. what happened to his nose?

The cat got him.

[MisterMan]

my new alarm system

He looks more like he has the potential to be very Friendly.. what happened to his nose?

The cat got him.

LOL I can't stop laughing!!!!

Wern't you the person who had someone knock on your front door and steal out the back door? I have 3 dogs too but they are not always around and people get burglarised even with dogs. (and yes my cat kicks their a** on a daily basis!)