Thieves target valuable personal property, follow these tips to help keep your property safe;
If your property is marked the police will be able to trace it if it is stolen.
- Mark all property and equipment by either engraving, painting, ultra violet (UV) pen or other permanent means with your driver's licence number prefixed by the letter 'S' for South Australia e.g. S123456 or your business name and suburb.
- Keep a record of all serial numbers and identification marks for equipment and personal property.
- Contact your local Crime Prevention Section or Neighbourhood Watch for information about hiring or buying an engraver or UV pen.
- For items that cannot be engraved like ceramics, antiques, furniture and so on, mark it with a UV pen. Jewellery should be photographed with a ruler beside it to give an indication of actual size.
If your property is stolen, it will help the police to find and identify items if you have recorded all your property, noting any distinguishing marks or features and the serial numbers of electrical items. You can download a copy of the Home Security brochure here that contains a simple form to keep these records in or obtain one from your local Crime Prevention Section.
- Put your mobile phone away when you're not using it.
- Make sure your mobile phone has the Personal Identification Number (PIN) activated.
- Ring tones can attract attention and lead to theft and assault - consider switching off the ring tone and activating the vibrate function in some situations.
- Never leave your mobile phone visible in a vehicle or lying about in public, especially in a pub, club or café.
- Do not record your PIN or phone number on the casing of the phone.
- Your International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number is unique to your phone. Press *#06# to display the number. Note the number down and keep the details in a safe place.
- If your mobile is stolen, contact your network carrier, then the police. Quote your IMEI number to your carrier who will arrange for the SIM card to be disabled across all phone carriers within Australia. The phone is then useless to thieves.
You can find more information about mobile phone security at www.mindyourmobile.com, the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association website.
- If the computer is near a window, consider closing blinds or curtains so it is not in view of passers-by.
- Do not 'advertise' the purchase of a new computer or component by placing empty boxes next to the rubbish bin.
- If you need to leave a computer in a vehicle, store it in the boot out of sight.
