Thieves usually target hot property, things that are:

• small
• valuable
• easily taken and concealed
• easily disposed of because they are popular.

So your possessions most at risk are items like:

• jewellery
• tools
• CD and DVD players
• mobile phones
• laptop computers
• digital and video cameras.

Unidentified possessions can't be returned

Police recover large amounts of stolen property every year. Unfortunately very few people record serial numbers or mark their property.  The result is that recovered property usually can't be returned to owners. Worse still, the thief may keep your possessions if police can't identify you as the owner.

Secure Sentinel identifies possessions

If you give serial numbers of stolen goods to police you have more chance of getting stolen items returned.  Having serial numbers helps in other ways too.  For example, some insurance companies waive the excess if you report serial numbers in your claim.

 Register the serial numbers of important possessions in your Secure Sentinel profile such as

• televisions
• video equipment
• musical equipment
• computer equipment
• microwaves
• kitchen appliances
• cameras
• binoculars
• radios
• sporting goods
• firearms
• clocks

What to do

Protect yourself

• If you have new or disposed of possessions, update your details.
• Place a Secure Sentinel label on each personal possession. Labels can help return of property if recovered.
• Place Secure Sentinel luggage tags on your bags when travelling at home or abroad. Tags can help return of luggage if recovered.
• Engrave or permanently mark possession with your Secure Sentinel membership number and our phone number. Clearly marked property gets a lower sale price so is less interesting to thieves.
• Police also suggest keeping valuation certificates and property descriptions in a safe place.

If possessions are lost or stolen

• call Secure Sentinel immediately. We'll give you a list of your possessions with descriptions and serial numbers. Use this list to complete Police reports accurately.
• notify the police.

Home security

Security should deter potential intruders.  But security should not make you feel like a prisoner in your own home.

To secure your home you need to:

• Have good doors and windows (the perimeter) with good frames.
• Have good locks on doors and windows.
• Install an alarm for improved internal security.
• Improve visibility of your property. This includes installing lighting outside and removing shrubbery. With good visibility, passers-by and neighbours can see anyone suspicious around your home.

Use our home security checklist to find out how burglars can enter your home and your risk of loss or theft

Disclaimer

Any representation, statement, opinion or advice, expressed or implied in this publication is made in good faith but on the basis that the Secure Sentinel is not liable (whether by reason of negligence, lack of care or otherwise) to any person for damage or loss whatsoever, which has occurred or may occur in relation to that person taking or not taking (as the case may be) action in respect of any representation, statement or advice referred to above.

Thieves usually target hot property, things that are:

• small
• valuable
• easily taken and concealed
• easily disposed of because they are popular.

So your possessions most at risk are items like:

• jewellery
• tools
• CD and DVD players
• mobile phones
• laptop computers
• digital and video cameras.

Unidentified possessions can't be returned

Police recover large amounts of stolen property every year. Unfortunately very few people record serial numbers or mark their property.  The result is that recovered property usually can't be returned to owners. Worse still, the thief may keep your possessions if police can't identify you as the owner.

Secure Sentinel identifies possessions

If you give serial numbers of stolen goods to police you have more chance of getting stolen items returned.  Having serial numbers helps in other ways too.  For example, some insurance companies waive the excess if you report serial numbers in your claim.

 Register the serial numbers of important possessions in your Secure Sentinel profile such as

• televisions
• video equipment
• musical equipment
• computer equipment
• microwaves
• kitchen appliances
• cameras
• binoculars
• radios
• sporting goods
• firearms
• clocks

What to do

Protect yourself

• If you have new or disposed of possessions, update your details.
• Place a Secure Sentinel label on each personal possession. Labels can help return of property if recovered.
• Place Secure Sentinel luggage tags on your bags when travelling at home or abroad. Tags can help return of luggage if recovered.
• Engrave or permanently mark possession with your Secure Sentinel membership number and our phone number. Clearly marked property gets a lower sale price so is less interesting to thieves.
• Police also suggest keeping valuation certificates and property descriptions in a safe place.

If possessions are lost or stolen

• call Secure Sentinel immediately. We'll give you a list of your possessions with descriptions and serial numbers. Use this list to complete Police reports accurately.
• notify the police.

Home security

Security should deter potential intruders.  But security should not make you feel like a prisoner in your own home.

To secure your home you need to:

• Have good doors and windows (the perimeter) with good frames.
• Have good locks on doors and windows.
• Install an alarm for improved internal security.
• Improve visibility of your property. This includes installing lighting outside and removing shrubbery. With good visibility, passers-by and neighbours can see anyone suspicious around your home.

Use our home security checklist to find out how burglars can enter your home and your risk of loss or theft

Disclaimer

Any representation, statement, opinion or advice, expressed or implied in this publication is made in good faith but on the basis that the Secure Sentinel is not liable (whether by reason of negligence, lack of care or otherwise) to any person for damage or loss whatsoever, which has occurred or may occur in relation to that person taking or not taking (as the case may be) action in respect of any representation, statement or advice referred to above.