We are well into the holiday shopping season and Eugene Police are using this time to highlight the importance of documenting your serialized and valuable property.
An accurate listing of your valuables, including serial numbers for serialized property, is important in the event of theft or burglary. Detailed information is crucial when reporting items stolen to police and insurance companies. Additionally, a complete listing of your valuables and their identifiers increases the likelihood of having your property returned should it be recovered. Marked items are also far more difficult for thieves to sell.
Where to start:
Create a list and take photos or videos of electronics, bikes, jewelry, art, tools and other items. It is also a good idea to scan and save sales receipts whenever possible. When there are no identifiers, you can engrave or etch information onto the property, such as a driver’s license number. This is known as an Owner Applied Number and the following format should be used:
OR1234567DL
Using this format indicates to law enforcement personnel that it is an Oregon driver’s license number and a quick database inquiry connects the item to the rightful owner. Writing OR at the beginning and ending with DL eliminates the possibility of changing the numbers. Never use a social security number!
Please store this list, photos and videos in a safe and secure place.
EPD Crime Prevention also offers a form you can use to assist in the process: Property ID Program
If you need further assistance, you can make an appointment to have the Seniors on Patrol volunteer team visit you at your home and walk you through the process. Visit our website for more information: https://www.eugene-or.gov/1659/Protect-Your-Home