Protecting your property

Remember the not-so-distant days when back doors were never locked and security was about having a dog that occasionally barked?

Times have certainly changed, and our concept of home security has changed with it. Are you up with the latest precautions for both your property and its contents?

In this feature we examine cataloguing and marking your property why, how, and what.

Why catalogue and mark your property?

There are two very important reasons:

1. Engraving or marking your property leaves no doubt as to ownership. It deters others from taking your property because of the difficulties involved in 'off loading' identifiable property and helps police to recover and return items which may have been stolen.
2. It assists your insurance company to process your claim quickly if you already have a list of items of value that were stolen or damaged and the serial numbers, descriptions, and if possible, original receipts.

Remember, you dont need to be a home owner to have contents insurance or to engrave your valuables. In fact, its recommended that people in rental properties or share accommodation take out insurance for their furniture and valuable possessions and engrave them too.

How to mark your property

Here are some hints on how to successfully mark your property.

1. Creating your unique code

You can use the number on your Drivers Licence as a unique reference, and prefix it with the letter T which signifies Tasmania. For example:
Your personal code could be T010874.

Record your unique code and your contents on a contents checklist.

2. Using an engraver

Engravers are available for loan at low cost from your local hardware store or on loan from your Neighbourhood Watch Area Coordinator.

Seek operating advice before using an engraver, and be aware that not all items are suitable for marking by electric engraver (eg wood).

3. Ultraviolet or 'invisible' marking

An ultraviolet (UV) pen can put an invisible mark on your property which can only be seen using a UV lamp. Remember that the mark can fade in time, especially when exposed to sunlight, and can be washed off, so it needs renewing regularly.

4. Using a camera or video

You may not want to engrave some things to avoid damage. The following items should be photographed (digital or otherwise) or videotaped, with a ruler or matchbox beside them to determine size.

• jewellery
• furs, etc
• watches
• antiques
• silverware
• paintings and other artwork
• collectables
• stamp and coin collections

These photographs should be kept with your Property Inventory list and stored in a fireproof safe on the premises, or in a safe deposit box (eg at a bank). You could also keep a copy of everything with a trusted friend or relative, so that in the case of a fire at your property you have one intact copy. This will help with any insurance claims.

5. Where to mark

• Where possible, place your identification code in the top right hand rear corner of the item.
• Use the personal I.D. number you have already created (see step 1).
• Also note on the inventory list the serial number of electrical appliances, as stickers and even metal plates can be removed after theft.

6. What to do next

After identifying your property with your unique code, go to your local Police Station and talk to them about recording your details into the Police Property Tracing System.

Creating a property inventory list

A detailed inventory should be kept of all your property. Record serial numbers, make, model, colour, full description, and an original receipt if possible. When your inventory is complete, keep the list in a safe place. This will help police recover stolen items and will assist in cases of insurance claims.

What should you mark?
To save you time, we have a checklist to download of valuable items that are most often targeted by thieves. Microsoft Word (78kb) or PDF (47kb) versions are available. If you have lots of items to add, we suggest using the Microsoft Word version.

Keep this list up to date, whenever you get new valuables.

Helpful hints

• Your local police station is able to provide you with small I.D. stickers that you can place on engraved items
• If property purchased has already been engraved with a personal I.D. number, place one thin diagonal line through existing engraving, then engrave your own personal I.D. number
• For more advice, contact your local police station or your local Neighbourhood Watch.