The S&G

 

I have a new laptop because I have been the victim of theft.  Husbandman and I did a quick drop in to an urban center out west to see #30something and Mr. HL over the weekend. We were there for about an hour when we were smashed and grabbed.  The Smash and Grab (S&G) involves thieves smashing a barrier like the back window of a rental car and then grabbing valuable stuff like laptops.  

If S&G happens to you, don't panic. You can get a new rental car. With "2 to 3 S&G's daily," the rental car agency won't bat an eye.  A nearby pharmacy will replace your medications.  Friends from home will ship out a second copy of your key for your car, parked at the IND airport. A trip to the post office will get you forms for replacing your passport.  Your insurance company may throw some cash your way if you've filed an on-line police report.

2 million laptops are stolen each year in the US. S&G looters use blue tooth detection devices to find laptops in vehicles, so try to remember to put your device on airplane mode even if it's in your trunk.  Less than 2% of stolen laptops are recovered, so don't be a hero with your Find My Laptop apps. You're wasting valuable time with that nonsense.  If you can't help yourself, local pawn shops might be a good place to start your search. Good luck.

If an S&G disrupts your trip, take heart. You can still have a good vacation, full of windy walks at the beach, incredible meals, victorious major league baseball games and non-stop conversations with people you love. Your anger about the S&G won't disappear, but with effort, you can move on and live life to the fullest. In short, don't let the S&G steal your joy.