Today’s technobollocks story comes via Engadget Mobile, which links to a report that criminals in Cambridge are using bluetooth to locate hidden laptops – and nick them.
According to Cambridge News.co.uk:

MOBILE phone technology is being used by thieves to seek out and steal laptops locked in cars in Cambridgeshire.

Up-to-date mobiles often have Bluetooth technology, which allows other compatible devices, including laptops, to link up and exchange information, and log on to the internet.

But thieves in Cambridge have cottoned on to an alternative use for the function, using it as a scanner which will let them know if another Bluetooth device is locked in a car boot.

Det Sgt Al Funge, from Cambridge’s crime investigation unit, said: “There have been a number of instances of this new technology being used to identify cars which have valuable electronics, including laptops, inside.

“The thieves are taking advantage of a relatively new technology, and people need to be aware that this is going on.

“We would urge people not to leave laptops, or anything of value, in their cars, and always de-activate these wireless connections when you’re not using a laptop – otherwise you’re making life easy for the thieves.”

Last month a spate of thefts from cars were put down to thieves using their phones to find laptops after three laptops were stolen from cars parked in neighbouring bays at the Holiday Inn, in Cambridge Road, Impington.

Police in Royston have mirrored the warning, after picking up on new crime trends in the area.

One teeny-weeny little problem with that scenario: when your laptop’s switched off, so is your bluetooth connection. I call shenanigans.