Remember the not-so-distant days in Brisbane 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:
- 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.
- 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 don’t need to be a home owner to have contents insurance or to engrave your valuables. In fact, it’s 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 Driver’s Licence as a unique reference, or make up your own unique code by taking the initial of your first name, the initial of your family name, date of birth, and the letter Q which signifies Queensland. For example:
Cameron Edward Peters Date of birth 01-08-74 His personal code could be CP010874Q.
Record your unique code and your contents on our suggested contents checklist.
2. Using an engraver
Engravers are available for loan at no cost from your local police station or 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, Neighbourhood Watch, or the Queensland Police Property Identification Kit
For current police station contact details, search the White Pages.
