This may seem strange, but my Kindle (PW2) NEVER leaves the house (and garden). Many years ago, I had my handbag snatched while walking along the street. This was before I had an ereader, but did lose a mobile and quite a lot of money, plus some meds and my house keys. (Luckily a friend had a spare set so the police didn't have to get a locksmith to break in.) This led to SO much hassle: time spent with the police, trauma - having new locks fitted (my address was in my handbag) and cancelling cards etc - that I no longer take anything valuable with me when I go out.
However, one tip I got from the police: mark your goods with a UV pen (which only shows up under a UV light) with your post code and house number - if the stuff ends up with the police or someone honest, it can be returned. With laptops, the best thing you can do is make them very distinctive: paint them in crazy patterns or put de-cals on them.
And always cross the road if anyone is walking behind you. Keep a secure hand on your bag; it's easy to rip them from your shoulder.
Carrying an attack alarm helps. Set it off, throw it (they go for the alarm, to switch it off) then run. The gas ones are loudest.
Here endeth the lesson!
