I spent 8 weeks in Buenos Aires last year - a high theft city. I worked out of a favorite coffee shop, and frequently went upstairs to use the bathroom whilst l

I spent 8 weeks in Buenos Aires last year - a high theft city. I worked out of a favorite coffee shop, and frequently went upstairs to use the bathroom whilst leaving my laptop out downstairs. tips - 1. always be comfortable in your surroundings. Know who's coming in and out, the type of people, whether you can trust the staff. 2. make eye contact with someone, best if it's a staff member, and ask them to keep an eye. Most people will, and staff will often hover by your table till you get back. 3. Put your screen to sleep and half close the lid. Helps if you have clutter on the table -- don't draw attention to it. 4. be quick. :) obvious but useful to know. finally: have insurance, backups, etc. One more thing-- i've found having a kensington chain to be useful where i have things in longer-term situations which i leave unattended for a while (e.g. my display in the coworking space i'm at). Those are pretty lightweight and really easy to install. wrap one around a table leg and lock to the machine. Done.