laptop cases (Score 1)

I survived 18 months in Quito, Ecuador without any major losses. I had to carry my laptop and other gear daily through some areas that are not totally safe.

The best hiding places are always in plain sight - make the item look worthless and nobody will want it. IMHO, the most important rule is to avoid using a laptop case when in unsafe areas.

Thieves know exactly what laptop cases look like and they are very easy to swipe (the thieves run by and grab the strap which is usually just hanging on your shoulder). You can find laptop cases disguised as a regular backpack - these offer the protection of a laptop case without alerting the thieves (the one I use is made by Jansport). Plus, backpacks are difficult to steal - someone would actually have to mug you, which is relatively unlikely. Of course, spend awhile roughing it up to make it look like nothing valuable would be put in it. If nobody wants it, nobody will steal it.