The Urban Geek As A Mugger Magnet?

CGP314 writes "I live in London and whenever I travel around, I feel like a huge target for muggers. Usually I take my laptop, iPod, cell phone and occasionally a PDA around with me. As with many geeks, these items hold within them far more value to me than anything I leave behind in my apartment. So I would like to know what my fellow urban geeks do to try and keep their valuables safe while traveling with them. I've switched my iPod headphones from the distinctive white to a boring black as a means of camouflage; are there any other suggestions?"

Comments

Every geek with his protection:

[konichiwa]

DO YOU FEEL LUCKY?

Idea

[Have Blue]

Don't buy a fancy bag that obviously has a laptop in it, just get some generic (or even better, old and slightly beaten up) bag and put your laptop in there, with a padded cover so it stays protected.

A gun? LONDON

[Overand]

A lot of people are suggesting this guy carry a gun. Not all countries allow this, and he specifically said he's from LONDON. England isn't exactly too keen on its citizens carrying firearms around. But oh, silly me, I forgot. There are no countries other than the US. ALL HAIL BUSH!

3 tips

[Junior J. Junior III]

1 - Data backup. Your data is probably the most valuable thing on the equipment you carry. Back it up so you don't lose it. Encrypt it so no one else can get it if they do get your equipment.

2 - Insurance. No matter what happens, a good insurance policy is going to be your best defense. Damage, theft, whatever, insurance can cover it.

3 - Go armed. You may need permits, and it may be illegal in many places, but if you're serious about self defense, you should arm yourself. Criminals by and large do NOT expect to find their target armed, and if they see that you are will more than likely seek another target.

Firearms

[raind]

Pack some heat....