Preventing laptop theft
 

I searched, but couldn't find the answer to this. When taking a laptop to China can't be avoided what's the best way to reduce the risk of theft from hotel rooms? Assuming it's too big to fit into the room safe (if there even is one), is it best to leave it with reception staff or just hide it among your clothes or something else?

Why are you particularly concerned that your laptop will be stolen in China (as opposed to some other location)?

tb

I lock it in a suitcase, even one that is empty or part-empty. Stick suitcase in closet or corner of the room. Never had an issue.

Who said I'm not concerned about it being stolen elsewhere? I am, but right now I'm only asking about the location I'm going to, which is China.

Millions of laptops spend nights in China's hotels all the time and manage to stick with their owners.

If you are concerned you can lock the laptop in a pelican (or similar) case and then cable lock it to a secure point.

Never even thought about hiding my laptop. It stays on my desk in the hotel. Never had a problem - ever!

Mind you, I carry my laptop and other valuables if I have to crash at a Chinese 1-2 star hotel but at a standard Sheraton - Hilton level hotel. I don't worry about it.

I observe the same rule of thumb in hotels in other countries as well, not just China.

This. Exactly. Have made many trips to China, and never had any laptop theft issues at Sheraton, JW Marriott, Hyatt or even the "Haiyatt". I have been walked a few times to a 2 star but in those hotels I didn't leave it in the room unattended.

The reason I ask is, unless this is the first time in your life that you're travelling with a laptop, the issue would have arisen before. What did you do all those other times?

If the question is actually: is laptop theft greater in China than in any other place -- the answer would be a resounding no. I've left my laptop on my desk in many hotels in China without issue, and as far I've heard from others, laptop theft from hotels is not an issue in China.

In other words, what are the region specific reasons for the question. Otherwise, wouldn't the question be best placed in another forum, where there may be more expertise and interest in securing ones' laptop?

tb

In Shenzhen, the Vienna hotel chain seems to have mushroomed throughout the city. A common motif is that they have columns and busts of composers.

At one in Minzhi, the ceiling became soggy, collapsed and destroyed my boss's MacBook Air. The next day was a real doozy. He had insurance, but the hotel refused to accept blame.

Now, back on topic...

Anything of value you can lock in a suitcase in your room.

I have never locked my laptop in any level of hotel in China and never had a problem. Correction, once, maybe 10 years ago in a 5 star hotel the bellboy asked me if he could buy my laptop and I did then lock it when I went to breakfast. This was in a Shangri-La that has since closed. I don't think you need to worry.

When traveling to China with pro video equipment, have cabled the pelican 1510 case and also have an alarm attached.

For laptop use a 11" Sony, fits inside the hotel room safe.

Posts with snark, dilatory or metadiscussion content, and replies have been deleted.

The best place for asking about laptop theft may be in the Travel Safety/Security / Practical Travel Safety Issues subforum, as there doesn't seem to be anyplace in the world where laptop theft is specific or a distinct specialty. ;)

JDiver
senmior moderator

Thank you to jiejie and tentseller for helpful, on-topic responses.

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