FAQs > Information on storing valuables
Even if you don’t have Van Gogh paintings, gold bars and
diamonds in your home or office securing you valuables should be something you
think seriously about.
Burglars are just as likely these days to take an
expensive piece of equipment or valuable information as they are cash and
jewelry. Irrespective of what items you own there is a great deal you can do to
safeguard them.
Secure your home
If a burglar can’t get into your home or premises then they can’t
steal anything. Often just making sure the building looks secure will be enough
to put off all but the most determined thieves. Never leave desirable items on
show, through a window or even letterbox and always secure windows and doors
before leaving.
Marking Property
Any item that is valued should be marked in someway for
identification. This not only helps the police in identifying stolen goods and
returning them to their rightful owners but also acts as deterrent to thieves
as marked goods are very difficult to sell on.
Police guidelines state that valuables are marked with your
home or business postcode and house number or name.
Methods of Marking Items
-
Etching or engraving - visible and permanent deterrent, but not advisable for delicate items or items you wish to show.
- Professional Schemes for high value items such as antiques - DNA, chemical or microdot systems available from specialist security firms.
- Electronic marking - some electrical goods such as TV’s store data electronically which cannot be removed without a key code.
- Ultraviolet pens – only visible under ultraviolet light
- Ceramic pens – visible and permanent
Lists
Always make a list of your valuable items making sure to
note down any distinguishing features or serial numbers etc. Back this up with
photo’s and notes of the markings you have made.
I.T. Equipment
Computers now contain more valuable information than most
wallets thanks to saved passwords and banking information store on them. Where
possible try not to store passwords on your computer as this is just like
leaving your keys on top of your safe. With ID theft now at record levels you
should take as many precautions protecting computers, laptops and blackberries
as you would a cash till.
Computers should be fixed to tables or desks to prevent
their removal and laptops locked away either in a
secure cupboard or in a
laptop security case.
Photograph Your Goods
For items you don’t want to mark or tag it may be better to
photograph them. This not only helps with police identification but can also be
used for insurance purposes.
Where possible you should always keep your valuables and
cash in a safe. Safes should always be bolted down or in some way attached to
the building to prevent thieves simply walking off with them.Safes come in several different styles and protection levels
such as
Burglary and Security Safes,
Fire Safes and
Deposit Safes.