For 13 years I worked in a cafe. There were many 'regular' customers who would sit at tables for hours, usually working on their laptops. I was frequently asked to watch their stuff while they went to the bathroom or moved their car. I hated when people asked me to watch their possessions! I mean, what could I do if someone tried to steal their items? Nothing, really - and I felt like I was put in danger of sorts, being asked to watch their stuff.

Personally, I don't ask anyone except a family member to watch my purse - and then I would hand my purse to the family member and ask them to actually hold on to it. As for a laptop and other possessions, I just don't ask another person to watch the items. I don't think it's a thoughtful request.