The number of laptop thefts has increased significantly in the past year, according to a recent report.
Technology website silicon.com looked at the records from 28 UK police forces and found that the Metropolitan Police reported the most laptop thefts.
More than 6,500 laptops were stolen in London in 2006 – significantly more than second-placed West Yorkshire with 2,402 thefts.
Leicestershire, Thames Valley and Bedfordshire made up the remainder of the five worst areas for laptop thefts.
Devon & Cornwall saw the highest percentage increase year-on-year in terms of laptop theft – up 45 per cent. Meanwhile, Bedfordshire thefts were up 35 per cent and Lothian & Borders 31.5 per cent.
Recent months have seen a number of high profile thefts, involving laptops from organisations such as Marks & Spencer and Nationwide Building Society, prompting identity fraud fears.
Security product manager at lock manufacturer Kensington, Rebecca Bird, said that organisations were still not taking adequate precautions to prevent data being retrieved from the laptops.
She told silicon.com: "If somebody really wants to get a person's laptop then sure they could use some bolt-cutters but a good lock will protect against opportunists."
Laptop owners should always ensure they have a password to protect their data, and insurance for their machine.
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