COLORADO LAPTOP COMPUTER THEFT ON THE RISE MyFox Colorado | Laptop Theft on the Rise

SEE VIDEO............ Laptop Theft on the Rise

Last Edited: Monday, 07 May 2007, 10:40 PM MDT

Created: Monday, 07 May 2007, 10:35 PM MDT

A security camera captured video of the suspect 'casing' the Tattered Cover, then stealing a customer's laptop computer at gunpoint. March 21, 2007.

by Julie Hayden
DENVER -- Police are warning about a new crime trend called "iJacking."

They say there’s been an alarming increase in the theft of laptop computers. In recent investigation, Police arrested a man they called "The Laptop Bandit." He allegedly stole laptops at gunpoint, from suspects in local coffee shops.

While the use of a gun is unusual, police say stealing laptops is becoming more common. Police reports indicate laptops are commonly stolen from parked vehicles, open office areas and other places where people are using them.

"They're really taking them from anywhere people tend to carry these convenient pieces of technology," says Denver Police spokeswoman, Virginia Quinones.

Police say they find a lot of stolen laptops in drug raids. They suspect the thieves trade the computers for drugs, or re-sell them illegally or hack into them to steal identities. Police say the best way to protest yourself is to protect your laptop. Don't leave it in your parked car, or unattended if you are using it in a public place.

Also, police suggest you record the serial number. That way, if anything happens, you can at least get it back if it's recovered.