Here are a few articles about laptops getting stolen out of cafes in San Francisco, sometimes while the owner is still using it!

Laptop thieves descend upon wireless cafes

Getting over laptop loss

Life is worth more than laptop

I don’t know if this is due to an extra high frequency of public laptop use in the Bay Area or what. Here in New York the common thieves have been known to be among the most cunning and opportunistic in the nation but we don’t seem to have quite as much of a problem. I’ve left my laptop unattended many times at Brooklyn cafes while going to the restroom. It just doesn’t feel like much of a risk though after reading these articles I’m going to start using my Kensington cable lock religiously just in case. Of course I’d never use my laptop in Manhattan without the lock, it’s a mad house over there!