Ballpoint pens also defeat laptop locks

By now you have probably read -- here or here or here -- that you can open an expensive Kryptonite U-Lock with a plastic ball point pen.

More bad news: When the thief rides away with your bike, he may have your laptop in the basket. I just received this e-mail from my brother who is in computer sales:

This morning, using the same techniques described in various locations on the internet as defeating kryptonite bike locks, I easily opened several laptop-locks. They are manufactured by APC and Kensington and use the same "tubular lock" style so popular with Kryptonite. I'll call you later, I have to sell some laptops. Haw haw.

Ouch.