2009 Laptop Theft Expected To Skyrocket

According to the FBI’s National Crime Information Center, the number of reported laptop thefts continues to rise, with a 48% incease over the last two years, from 73,700 to almost 109,000. The number of reported mobile phone robberies jumped 33% over the same period, from 60,100 to nearly 80,300. In the past three years, theft of Apple (nasdaq: AAPL - news - people ) iPods and other digital music players surged 91% from 8,900 to more than 17,000. The data include all reported incidents from pick-pocketing to commercial heists.

The costs of laptop and device theft can be staggering. The Computer Security Institute’s 2008 Computer Crime & Security Survey found that information breaches cost companies an average of nearly $300,000 a year. According to the study, which surveyed 69 major corporations, 42% of those surveyed experienced laptop theft. The Ponemon Institute estimates that every week, 12,000 laptops are lost or stolen in U.S. airports alone.

The Institute also estimated that robberies cost the average major corporation 640 laptops, 1,985 USB memory sticks, 1,075 smart phones and 1,324 other data devices per year. The institute estimates that each year up to 800,000 memory devices (laptops, smart phones, memory sticks) are lost or stolen.

This year as the recession continues, it is expected that theft will increase dramatically as it has in past recessions. The demand for used computers and parts will also increase as many businesses and consumers less willing to purchase new more expensive systems. This combined with massive layoffs and economic uncertainty will also cause issues for employers as they try to get laptops and mobile phones back from employees who are terminated.  In addition as companies fail tracking devices and sensitive data will be difficult to manage. In essence we have a perfect storm with regards to laptop, as well as mobile phones and other electronic devices.

In a phone conversation with a police detective with the NYPD, there has already been several meetings regarding the increase in violent muggings for mobile phones and laptops in New York City, particularly on subways and other public transit. Theives are not even asking for people’s money, instead they are snatching phones, many times violently and then running off. In some cases the thief uses the information on the phone to commit other thefts as it contains contacts and addresses, phone numbers and personal information that makes identity theft and staged burglaries easier.