Burglary is one of the most frequently committed crimes in the United States.

When it comes to property crimes such as theft or burglary, we are all potential victims. It is a well known fact that most thieves will commit dozens of burglaries before being caught by law enforcement. Investigators who work to solve these crimes face enormous challenges and far to often the victims themselves complicate the investigation by failing to keep record of their possessions. The ability of law enforcement to identify items of stolen property is often the key to solving property crimes. Unfortunately most victims do not retain pertinent descriptive information about items of property that they own. Often times without some means to positively identify property the recovered items are never returned to their rightful owner.

There are a number of things each of us can do to assist in identifying personal property should it ever be stolen. Most of these recommendations are simple and require little effort or cost.

1.      Keep a detailed inventory list. Record serial numbers, make, model, color,   

     full description, and an original receipt if possible. If the item comes with

     an owner’s manual write the serial number and model number inside the

     manual. When your inventory is complete, keep the list in a safe place.

2.      Photograph or video tape items of value. Do not store the images on your computer, but rather make at least one copy of the images and store with your inventory list in a secure location. With smaller items such as jewelry, place the item of property next to a ruler so that the size of the item can be accurately recorded.

     3.   Use a permanent U.V. marking pen to identify your property. U.V. pens 

           can be used on all surfaces:-Internal or external and leaves an indelible

           U.V. mark. Use of a unique number such as your Driver’s License is  

           recommended (Never use your Social Security Number). Remember that

           the mark can fade in time, especially when exposed to sunlight, so it  

           needs occasional renewing.

4.     Use an engraver to engrave a unique identification number on the item of property. The identification number should be engraved on an area that cannot be easily dismantled and which is not seen.

5.    Use a substance that is difficult to remove; such as fingernail polish, to place a marking on an item of property. Place the marking on an area where it will not be easily seen or where its presence will be obvious.

Although these steps will not prevent crime from occurring they will provide a means by which law enforcement can positively identity items as stolen and greatly increase the odds of being able to return the property to its rightful owner.