Preventing iPod Theft

Ipods have become very popular over the past few years and with the increase in their use so have iPod robberies. Sadly, many of these iPod thieves are teenagers who want these status symbols for themselves or to sell them on the streets for cash. Ipods are particularly targeted as they are valuable, easily identifiable and have no anti-theft protection. Also iPod owners are likely to be distracted by the music they are listening to and muggers have more of a chance of coming close up undetected.

The whole point of the iPod is that it is a portable device, so keeping your iPod locked in a drawer at home defeats the purpose of having one in the first place. So what can you do to prevent being targeted by iPod thieves? The first obvious precaution would be to keep the iPod hidden when you are out and about. You wouldn’t hang your wallet in full view, so don’t wear your iPod where everyone can see it. Thieves are also on the look out for those distinctive white earbud headphones. Use standard earphones that are another color and which preferably blend in with the outfit you are wearing.

School is one of the commonest places for iPod theft as your movements and routine are easy to follow. Think carefully before bringing your iPod to school and don’t leave it on full view in your car. Keep it hidden and locked away somewhere safe if you have to bring it to school.

When you buy your iPod, register the item through the Apple website and they will note your name against the serial number. If your iPod is stolen and is recovered, the police can at least trace you as the owner. If you purchase the iPod through the Apple online store, they will offer you a free engraving service. Of course you can get engraving done yourself at your local engraver shop. Engraving may act as a deterrent as it is much harder for the thief to resell an iPod with someone else’s name engraved on it.

One can buy iPod cable locks that have a three digit combination lock such as Targus’s mobile security lock for the iPod. This is useful when you are traveling – just lock the iPod to yourself! Podolock is a transparent casing for the iPod mini, leaving access to the click wheel. The drawback of this device is that it is quite bulky. The Pod Safe, from Secure-It, is a combination case which essentially turns your iPod into a padlock, leaving the click wheel and screen accessible.

Be sensible when you use your iPod outside of your home and you’ll have many enjoyable hours with it. If you are looking for unlimited free music to listen to on your iPod, then have a look at http://www.squidoo.com/Prevent_iPod_Theft