SECURING YOUR VALUABLES AND IDENTITY

* Catalogue all your valuables by means of photographs and video footage, and keep a record of all serial numbers in order to help the police in the identification of your stolen goods.  Retain photocopies of receipts of expensive items in a safe place so you have proof of purchase for any insurance claims.

* Often manufacturers have advice or additional products on how to better secure and protect their products from thieves, so read all the manuals and paperwork that ship with your valuables, or check manufacturers’ websites for more information.

* Marked property is far more difficult for criminals to sell or pawn, so having your details engraved on any expensive electronic equipment may actually dissuade theft.  Make sure that you use your driver's license number, NOT your Social Security number as your identifying details, however.

* A less expensive, simpler way of making your property identifiable is to use an invisible-ink pen which will show your details under a simple ultraviolet light.

* The most securely locked filing cabinet or lock-box is still completely vulnerable if it can be picked up and carried away, so consider installing a bolted-down safe or a heavy-duty filing cabinet to store important documents, information and valuables.
* ALWAYS shred all documents with any personal information before disposing of them.  Without exception.  This will help protect you from potential identity theft as well as burglary.

* Keep records of what credit cards you have, make sure they are signed on the back, and any credit cards that are not with you should be kept in a safe.

* Keep equipment for expensive hobbies locked up out of sight.

* Part of the burglar’s job is to know where people tend to hide things, so while you think you are being clever stashing things in the freezer, for example, the most effective way of outsmarting the thief is to keep all valuables behind lock and key.  Simple but effective.

* The empty boxes from your new expensive purchases may make your neighbours envious if you leave them visible in your trash, but they also broadcast that you have things worth stealing in your home. Make sure to break obviously labelled boxes down and/or cut them up before putting them out in the trash.

* Computers are expensive items to replace, and the information they contain is absolutely irreplaceable if you do not back up your data regularly.  A computer lock is an easy and inexpensive way to protect your computer, or you could invest in a GPS system to keep track of all your computers if you wish.

* A safe-deposit box elsewhere is a more secure option for storing jewels and other valuables, but if you must on keep them in the house they should be locked away in a bolted-down floor safe.

* Personal identification documents such as passports or Social Security cards can be used to feign your identity and gain access to your safe-deposit box, for example, so always store them separately from any bank details or information about your safe-deposit box.
 

* Securely lock your bikes and four-wheelers to a bolted-down surface whenever they are not in use.

* Make sure that all heirlooms have been accurately appraised and are listed at their current value on your homeowner's policy.  Again, store photographs and accurate descriptions of all your valuables for identification and insurance purposes.

* Paintings can be “locked” to a wall by means of an art-security hanger, and you may want to invest in a product like "DataDots" which allows you to record identification information on a microdot adhesive  so your artwork is traceable if stolen.