I agree, and the theft of laptops and ipads etc. is another way for criminals and have nots to get and stay connected, especially in these types of countries when it is cost-prohibitive.
When people have nothing to do all day and can watch your moves, wherever you are, there are risks.
I was always told, don't tell anyone where are you are going, when you arrived or when you are leaving or where you are staying and as one poster said on here, you really do need a good JA person to watch over you while you are there if you are outside of the AI structure, especially as a new visitor to the country. It takes a while to establish this connection and when you have the right person you will know it, because they will not let their friends or others know where you are staying or where you are going or what time nor invite them in.
And I agree with another poster ... mostly these types of things happen when you don't take precautions .. I too had my cell phone, camera and a bottle of perfume lool stolen last summer .. my stupidity ... I left the door ajar while I went to make a cup of tea in the kitchen. I was sure I knew who did it and posted a long note in the complex asking for the return of my camera chip with the pictures on it or else!!!! The camera chip was slipped under the door a day later. The person waited two weeks for the right moment until ATI was in full swing and the place had a few more occupants, so he would not be suspected. The are many more reasons I knew it was this person, as I had been cautioned, although I was so stupid to leave the door open just inviting this thief. Stay safe.