Are you a lap-top toter? Computer crime, I am told, is costing UK businesses more than £250 million a year, and certainly, we have lost a few from the office.

But lap-tops are now fast becoming the main target for thieves.

Even if you are insured, it may cover the cost of replacing the lost or damaged machine, but it won't do anything to replace the lost data, or minimise the consequent disruption.

So, take all reasonable practical precautions that you can to reduce the likelihood of loss or damage.

When travelling by car, make sure the machine is not visible. Lap-tops have been snatched at traffic lights, pedestrian crossings and so on.

If you are going and leaving a lap-top in the car, leave it locked in the boot.

Don't leave your lap-top on a desk overnight or at lunch-time

Don't advertise the fact that you are carrying one. If you carry it in the manufacturer's case, you might as well wear a sign saying "mug me and take my lap-top"

Some lap-tops, of course, fit into briefcases, but again, don't force them in or you could damage the screen.

When travelling on public transport, don't let go of your lap-top.

If you do all this, finally, make sure that the machine is properly insured.

If you own it personally, rather than your employer owning it, be especially careful as most personal policies tend to exclude business items. If you are going abroad, extend your cover and ensure you have read all the conditions of the policy.

This is really commonsensical but from time to time, you would be surprised how foolish people are.

Peter Meredith is a partner with Horwath Clark Whitehill.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.