Computer and RIP thefts are rising as raiders steal to order for developing nations.


Malcolm Rutter, printing segment manager for ACE Europe, which underwrites the BPIFs insurance scheme, said Eastern European and African nations were behind thefts of the new generation of processors.


Rutter said ACE had dealt with four losses in the first quarter of 2001 compared to nine in the whole of last year. All thefts so far have been in the South East.


He said repro houses and design agencies should ensure that equipment could be locked down and that they should install window bars or grills.


And each member of staff should have a unique security code so employers can pinpoint the identity of staff who have entered rooms, he added.