Laptop theft from locked boot - scanning devices?

[Steve_Luts]

I went Xmas shopping tonight in Reading, leaving my laptop locked in the boot of my car, an Audi TT. On return I find one smashed in rear window, parcel shelf removed, laptop gone.

A few people I know have been hit by this - it seems that criminals have some sort of device to detect laptops in specific parked cars. Any ideas? It has been reported that this is being done via bluetooth phones (see link) but my laptop was NOT bluetooth or WiFi enabled - after the same happened to a colleague we tried to detect my machine with our phones or PDA's - didn't work. Thames Valley Police eluded to the fact that they are aware of how it is being done, but can't publicise it for fear of it being used by the no-so-smart crim who is not yet aware. The copper on the phone implied it was a device available at any DIY store - the only thing I can think of is those wire/pipe detectors used to check when drilling holes? Could one detect current from a completly 'off' laptop.

I'm intrigued because they left a load of small highly saleable items but just went for the laptop - which in any case is useless to them because i have it on secure logon to my company network only!!!!

Sorry for rant but I'm annoyed and wonder if anyone knows how they might have known to target a specific vehicle on a busy lit street, with laptop in boot. I didn't raise the boot when parked, and nobody followed me there from elsewhere.

Or was I just unlucky and someone in lying in wait thought "businessman in new-ish car - I bet laptop is in boot"

here's the bluetooth spiel, but as I say it didn't work on this machine http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/news/region_wide/2005/08/17/06967453-8002-45f8-b520-66b9bed6f29f.lpf.

[cheater99]

Apparently there is a device which can easily detect the real time clock which always runs even when the machine is turned off.The problem is that unless you put the thing in an earthed screened box the device detects the oscillator which makes the clocks run.I'm not sure that this is necessarily available from DIY stores but i do hear that they were available on ebay at one time, i've just looked and couldnt see one but as with anything, getting the search words correct is paramount.IT'S YOUR OSCILLATOR.unfortunately it may be as straight forward as a simple portable medium wave radio.i havent tried it,but its possible.a project for the xmas holiday.

[BillyBB]

I also know of lots of cars being turned over this way when there is nothing of value inside. At this time of year there is an epidemic.

[Kerplunk]

Your laptop will not be useless to them as they can install a new operating system and use it as new. Even system / bios passwords can be bypassed.

[joko]

is there a way to deflect it?

perhap line laptop bag in tin foil? cover with one of those space blankets? sounds daft I know - but who knows what may work?

how close does it have to be? perhaps hide laptop under seat or something?

[Mylex]

Hi - I had the same happen to me last night. Pizza hut carpark, car left in front of restraunt, good lighting. I didnt even open the boot. They popped the back window in my A4 Avant right above where the laptop was in the boot and lifted it out. They left shopping bags etc on the back seat. I found a link to this device after some digging and it looks it can do the job http://www.zapchecker.com/applications.html

Hmmmm