The Top 5 Items Most Wanted by Thieves
Thieves look to steal property they believe can be removed and easily sold-on! Especially if it they cannot be traced back to the scene of the crime! Please give careful consideration to protecting the following types of valuables
Portable Computing Devices
Due to their popularity laptop and tablet PC (iPad) theft nowadays is a significant risk. They are portable and can be sold-on easily at a good price. There are several methods to protect your hardware that have been developed, including alarms, laptop locks, and visual deterrents such as stickers or labels. Importantly be sure to register the serial number of your device on Immobilize along with your postcode which can be simply written on the back with a UV pen and added to your account as an additional identifier. It is recommended that you configure a strong password and also perform a full disk encryption (FDE) to help protect sensitive data stored inside your laptop or tablet PC.
Smartphones
These days more and more people are sporting these expensive gadgets. Smartphones are also high on the list of things to steal amongst thieves, and many people find themselves victims of phone theft when taking their high-tech phones out with them. When registering your phone on Immobilize include the IMEI which can be found easily by pressing the following keys on your handset *#06#, or other unique ESN number.
This is your phones unique number and the first thing police will check for when recovering property.
Cash & Jewellery
Do not leave cash or jewellery lying around the house making sure you keep valuables out of sight and where possible place them in a secure place such as a safe. The risk for burglars is increased when your possessions can link them to the scene of a crime, consider taking photos and engraving your jewellery when registering them on immobilize as this will also aid the police in identifying crime and returning property.
Bicycles
A bicycle is stolen approximately every minute of the day, perhaps worsened due to the increasing popularity of expensive models, which in turn can be sold far too easily via online auctions. Invest in a quality D-Lock and be sure to register your bicycles frame number along with any pictures you have on Immobilize.
Home Entertainment Systems
Many new home cinema-type HD and 3D television sets are being stolen because they are valuable, light-weight and common-place in most homes. Register the serial number of your TV/DVD and audio equipment on Immobilize along with your postcode which can be easily written on the back with a UV pen. Visual deterrents such as stickers or labels will help to discourage theft by letting thieves know your possessions are traceable.