How to Keep Records
Safe at Home

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Keeping records - in addition to the simple precautions described in securing your home against intruders and the home security checklist - will greatly reduce the chance that your home will be burglarized.

But should it happen, filing a police report will be easier if you've kept a thorough inventory of your valuables.

An inventory involves more than just making a list: you'll want to write down such particulars as the price, year, and place of purchase in addition to a detailed description of each item.

This will also make it easier for you to file a claim on your household insurance policy.

Be sure that you include serial numbers if the items have any. In the event that your stolen valuables are recovered, the serial numbers will give police positive identification so they can trace the items back to you.

Photograph or video the items for backup, then store this where thieves are unlikely to look, such as in the garage or in the back of a child's closet.

Better still: Store this information off-site, such as in a safe-deposit box.

Use an engraving pen to write your name, phone number, or other identifying information on your valuable appliances - TV, DVD and music system, and your computers.

Engraving these items will make it harder for a thief to sell your stuff, and it links the objects to you should they be recovered.

How to Secure Your Home Against Intruders

10 Steps to a Safer Home

Beyond Records: Return to Safe at Home

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