Compiling them using the dBASE compiler is clearly the best way - as all the other dBASE compilers - including Clipper have publicly available decompilers available for them. The dBASE compiler does not. I am the only one who decompiles dBASE programmes using my own techniques which can take time and is 80% automated but 20% manual - and is carried under strict checks on copyright for code. I have turned away alot of work in the past because the user was not able to prove copyright ownership - and I still stick to this mantra.
 
If your laptop was stolen - your problem is not really the application - it is the data that is more useful and re-usable. You will probably need to encrypt the data - but that can be tricky if you corrupt data. Also you need to keep the source off your computer - of course.
 
Hope this helps.