PC peripheral maker Kensington is offering MPs a free lock to ensure the physical security of their laptops.

The firm said that the current furore around the theft of government laptops means that MPs need to be able to lock down their laptops wherever they are.

"With the recent publication of the O'Donnell, Poynter and Burton Reviews and the forthcoming Thomas/Wallport review, attention has once again been drawn to the safety of data held by government departments and agencies," said Stephen Hoare, product manager at Kensington Europe.

"Using a lock will protect laptops and computers from opportunistic theft, and will help to reassure the public that their personal details are safe, no matter where they are being held."

Thus far the locks have been offered to 50 MPs from each of the three main parties. Kensington has started receiving responses for the offer and may offer more locks, depending on the initial feedback.

"It is increasingly clear that government organisations are neglecting the most obvious threats to security," said Hoare.

"They invest millions in network security, yet disregard the danger of physical theft. This is tantamount to investing in a sophisticated home alarm system but forgetting to lock the front door."