How To Prevent iPod Theft

Gadget thieves are on the prowl. Whether you're carrying a laptop, an iPod or even a RAZR, these hooligans will attempt almost anything to snatch those precious gadgets from your sweaty hands and peddle them on the street. You've heard the stories time and time again, some of them will even make your skin crawl. According to one article, the NYC Police reports that iPod and cell phone theft is up.

iPod owners can take several precautions:

• Register your iPod with Apple: Macnn has a story about the police returning stolen iPods back to their owners by using serial numbers. Here's the registration page.
  
• Ditch the white earbuds: It's really not worth it. Yes it matches your white iPod, but they also make you a target.
• Hide it from view: No brainer. Don't display it proudly by clipping it onto your backpack or belt. Instead hide it in a coat pocket or wear an armband. Don't leave it unattended in your car, office or any public place.
• iPod etching program: NYPD will emboss gadgets with an invisible ink that can be seen with an infrared light. This program is only available to New York City residents. Apple does offer free engraving on new iPods if you order it through their website.
• Tag Your Gear: You can attach tags to your gear with serial numbers to recover lost gadgets. Chris Null recommends DataDots, and I wrote a post on Stuffbak.
  

There are some devices like the Podolock , Podlocker and iLockr, but they are way to bulky.

The Gadgetress over at OC Register spotted these new iPod locks from Targus. The iPod cable locks work with most iPods, and attach via a three digit combination lock that is also a dock connector. I can see how libraries that have audio books on iPods can benefit from these locks. If you're traveling, this could also be a good option, you just have to make sure you attach it to something they can't easily take...like yourself.

Have you lost or had an iPod stolen? Share your story or other suggestions in the comments below.