Filed under: iPod Family, Security
3 iPod defense techniques
iPod theft is a growing crime of opportunity. Ira Mellman of WTOP radio offers several iPod self-defense techniques to help you avoid becoming a victim of iPod theft. Here's my quick and easy summary of the better points. Yes, it's really just common sense, but hopefully these tips will help you think about whether you're making yourself a possible target.
1. Put your iPod in a pocket. It's easier to grab an iPod from someone's hand than from a backpack, purse or pocket.
2. Switch from white earbuds. Those white earbuds are an easy iPod "tell" according to police. Use less identifiable third party earphones of another color or shape.
3. Lower the volume. Step out of the iPod daze and become more aware of your surroundings.

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
bluray said 8:00PM on 5-10-2007
Carry Body Guard LE-10 pepper spray I do. Let's say they will get more than a surprise if they try something.
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Kevin Little said 5:34PM on 5-10-2007
'Put Ipod in Pocket" Speaking as someone whoose had one stolen I realy appreciate such insightful help.
http://www.ebizmba.com
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Andy said 5:36PM on 5-10-2007
seriously??
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Jared Childress said 5:45PM on 5-10-2007
I have an iPod dock mounted on the dash of my 1993 Mustang convertible, with aux input cable running to my stereo. A few weeks ago someone cut a two-square-foot hole in the roof to break in... I suppose they thought an iPod was inside, but they only got away with a (broken) radar detector. The dock is handy though, because I can use my Apple remote to change tracks while driving. Plus I can have the all-dangerous videos playing while driving. ;)
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sam said 5:50PM on 5-10-2007
#4 - Take a self-defense class and next time sometimes tries to steal you iPod you kick him in the balls.
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andrew harrison said 6:37PM on 5-10-2007
Andy:
"seriously??"
iawtp
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Ahmad said 6:51PM on 5-10-2007
haha, I grew up listening to WTOP....
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Jerry Brito said 7:28PM on 5-10-2007
Targus makes a great security lock for iPods. It's a lot like the security cables you can get for your Macbook. It attaches to the iPod's dock connector, has a keyless combination lock, and the cable is retractable. Pretty cool if you need to leave your iPod alone in a public or semi-public place.
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JeffDM said 7:48PM on 5-10-2007
Kevin Little, can you please stop your spamming now? I don't care for that crap.
Anyway, hiding the iPod is the first thing. Not wearing the "I'm a sheep, Jobs is my shepherd" headphones helps too. Nobody has to know what you own.
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NutMac said 8:43PM on 5-10-2007
Or use Microsoft Zune (brown one). No one will touch you.
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Reg Muffet said 9:20PM on 5-10-2007
@NutMac,
Good idea. But perhaps just a Zune shell for the actual iPod?
(A case that makes your iPod look like a Zune could actually have a good novelty value. Might even be worth a booth at Macworld '08!)
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ThunkDifferent.com said 11:42PM on 5-10-2007
Awesome. i could use this in the lower ninth ward on my bike rides there through New Orleans. oh wait... i would never use this.
http://ThunkDifferent.com
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Dan Woods said 11:52PM on 5-10-2007
@Reg Moffat
It could be called "The Downgrade".
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jbobmurph said 12:32AM on 5-11-2007
Just protect yourself. For God's sake. Knee in the crotch, pepper spray to the face, something.
Or my preference - a bullet to the brain. Then your friends and neighbors will be safe, too. And not just your ipod.
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mmcmonster said 8:55AM on 5-11-2007
How about some defense tips for that poor guy who bought a Zune? Maybe to turn the volume up so he doesn't notice when people are making fun of him?
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Tim H said 11:28AM on 5-11-2007
3 words... concealed carry permit.
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Ken Westin said 8:36PM on 6-04-2007
Then there is GadgetTrak (http://www.gadgettheft.com) which helps you track your device electronically.
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