Marking and cataloguing your property

Marking and cataloguing your property

Selling a stolen DVD player at the local doesn't sound too difficult. However, if that DVD player has someone's drivers licence number permanently marked or engraved on the back, it becomes a less attractive offer.

Identification engraving and marking your property has two main benefits — it deters burglars from taking your stuff in the first place and makes it easier for police to return your goods if they are found.

There are different ways to mark your property and the preferred method will depend on the item itself. Use your drivers licence number as identification or develop your own unique code, just don't forget it.

Engraving is the most reliable and effective method. You can borrow an engraver from your local police station or Neighbourhood Watch Area Coordinator. Ask first how to use the engraver and remember that not all items are engraveable, such as wood.

Another option is to use an ultraviolet (UV) pen that leaves an invisible mark on items that can only be seen using a UV lamp. Being invisible is an exciting concept but this limits its deterrent value and the mark can fade over time. If you do use a UV pen, remember to renew the mark regularly.

You probably have valuable items that you don't want to engrave or mark, such as jewellery, clothing, artwork and antiques. Take a photo or video instead. Put something recognisable next to the item to give an idea of size — it may be a ruler, a matchbox, a breadbox!

Here are some engraving tips:

• Ask how to use the engraver.
• Remember, an engraver can't be used on all items, for example, wood.
• If the item was pre-owned and has existing identification engraving, place a thin diagonal line through existing engraving, then engrave your own personal identification number.
• When you pick up the engraver, ask if there are also stickers available that you can put on items to 'warn' would be thieves

You can create your own catalogue or use software developed specifically for cataloguing property — ask at your local police station about what is available and recommended. Some crime authorities have developed software just for this purpose.

Having the catalogue completed and up-to-date will also help if you do need to make an insurance claim. Some insurers may also give you a discount on your insurance premium because you have marked or engraved your property — ask your insurer.

Keep your catalogue and any photos of the items in a safe place — in fact a safe is great idea. It may also be worth putting copies somewhere away from your premises — in case of fire.

You can, and should, mark anything that is valuable to you. Have a look:

• Around the house — TV, DVD, cameras, musical instruments, computer, appliances, clothing, furniture, sports equipment;
• Outside the house — tools, lawn mower, trailer, bikes;
• In the car — radio, two way radios, mag wheels, tools

If you are unlucky enough to be burgled, at least you will be able to identify what is missing, make a speedy and accurate insurance claim, and hopefully get the goods back when the police locate them.