The best way to prevent laptop theft is never to leave your laptop unattended or let it out of your sight. Resist the temptation to set it down when you're at a pay phone or in a restroom stall, or when you're waiting in line. When you're staying at a hotel, don't leave your laptop in your room when you go out. But it's cheaper just to keep an eye on it. There are some situations where you can't avoid letting go of your laptop, such as when you're passing through airport security.
Security checkpoints are popular hangouts for computer thieves, who frequently work in pairs.
In the commotion, the second one whisks your laptop off the far end of the conveyer belt and disappears. The best way to avoid a situation like this is not to set your laptop down until you're sure you will be the next person through the metal detector. Keep your eyes on the conveyor belt at all times, and be aware of what the people in front of you are picking up. Even if your laptop ends up being stolen, you can increase the likelihood that it will be returned if someone finds it. Keeping a detailed description of your computer and its serial number will help the police trace it if it's stolen and also make it easier to file an insurance claim in case it is never found.