Laptops, mobile phones and dongles are attractive key targets for thieves. The following simple suggestions will keep your gadgets secure whether you are on the  move or in your home.

Mark your gadgets

With a UV security marker pen £9.99 for pen and lamp kit. Use the UV pen to write your name or postcode on any item; this can only be seen using a UV light. It’s a really simple way to protect your devices.  Go to www.maplin.co.uk

Protect your mobile

This software offered by Kaspersky Mobile Security  will protect your mobile phone using an ‘SMS block’ to prevent the phone being used fraudulently and includes a function to remotely wipe the internal memory and memory card. At £14 this offers great value and peace of mind as mobile phones with internet capabilities can come under threat from viruses and data theft. Go to www.kaspersky.co.uk for more information.

Use a USB

www.Amazon.co.uk have good deals (about a £1 per GB of storage) USB flash memory sticks can back up your important documents by highlighting your files, then by ’dragging and dropping’ you have achieved a simple and inexpensive solution to safeguarding essential information.

Register your lost and found devices for free

www.immobilise.com is the free UK national property register’s website to record all your gadgets. Report your lost, stolen or found items as this site is used by various agencies to return found property. You must still pass your stolen gadget details onto the police.

Too hot to handle?

Buying cheap second hand goods that you think may be stolen? Ask sellers to provide a CheckMend report using the item’s serial number. A report can be made online for £1.99 with www.checkmend.com