The lap top thefts in San Marcos were a well planned and executed inside job.
  The equipment was unattended for less than 15 minutes.  I was livid when
one of the staff walked over to the door and tapped on a little 3" x 4" sign
that stated

         "WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ITEMS LEFT UNATTENDED".

The sign was so small, you had to be within 5 feet to read it.  The
employee's arrogance and smugness were infuriating.  I was speechless.  In retrospect,
I should have been suspicious when it took 3 guys to refresh the water for six
people. Most of all, I am mad at myself for leaving the room without a
concern for security. I should have known better.  It would be a major inconvenience
to break down the equipment and carry it with me each break.  There's hardly
enough room for me in the bathroom cubicle, let alone a lap top and computer
projector.

At the PCB Design Conferences, Pete Waddell has a monitor posted at every
door, and over the years, I have become spoiled rotten and have become complacent
by the good work they do.    At the next conference, I will make sure to
thank these silent observers and tell them how much I appreciate the job they do!

At all future workshops, I will make sure that the facility does posts a room
monitor at all breaks and lunches.  ...Wait a minute while I close the barn
door!

I think a very simple alarm would do the trick.  If the thief picked up the
computer a very loud alarm would go off, like those on automobiles.  Maybe it
could scream...

       ...Stop Thief!  ...You are being video taped!  ...Put me down you
brute!
       ...Call the police!  ...Mommy!

After my experience, I would buy one.  Must be cheaper than the $2,400 it
cost to replace my lap top!

Still  HOT and BOTHERED  in Santa Clara, Mary Sugden

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