| Unfortunately we live in times where thieves and | | | | the function or outward appearance of the item that is |
| criminals are abundant. Although we can all do our best | | | | marked. On the other hand the markings must be large |
| to ensure that no one is able to steal our property, by | | | | and clear enough to be read, while also being |
| keeping it out of sight - ultimately, if our property is | | | | prominent enough that their removal or erasure would |
| taken, we can assist the police in recovering it by | | | | be immediately clear. This is one of the benefits to |
| making sure it is clearly marked. | | | | using good quality fixed labels as a marking |
| Before getting into techniques for marking items, it is | | | | method-scratching or sanding over these would be |
| important to ensure that we can recognize our | | | | immediately noticeable and would likely damage the |
| property when we see it. After all, its difficult to | | | | property they are affixed to. |
| differentiate one laptop from another of the same | | | | When marking the item you should choose a |
| make and model. | | | | consistent and unique mark. A good choice would be a |
| When purchasing a valuable item that you would not | | | | contact phone number or email address. A postal |
| want to lose, one should be cautious and take a brief | | | | address or just a postcode could be another option as |
| minute to write down the items make and model. Not | | | | well. In any case, the marking should be adequate to |
| only will this list serve useful in identifying any items that | | | | identify you or your business as the rightful owner. |
| are returned after their theft or loss, but it will also be | | | | Finally, there are some items which are not suitable for |
| helpful in the event that the items are not returned and | | | | etching or marking, or for which better solutions exist. |
| an insurance claim needs to be made. | | | | Users of laptop computers may, in conjunction with a |
| Once a clear list of owned items is developed, you | | | | security label, want to consider a product which can |
| should mark them with personally identifying | | | | lock down a computer upon its theft, as well as inform |
| information. There are a number of different ways to | | | | of where it is being used. Owners of jewellery should |
| etch items. An electric etching pencil such as a Draper | | | | look into having their jeweller laser etch a serial number |
| multi tool can be used to scratch an identifying mark | | | | into their diamonds. |
| into the item. You could also try chemical etching | | | | Essentially its an owners diligence that can help to |
| method. In fact, the Home Office in the UK has even | | | | safeguard their property. However, by taking the |
| made stencils for recommended designs for chemical | | | | simple steps of marking items of value as advised |
| etching. Finally, one can also use a self adhesive label | | | | above, the owner can make it less attractive to the |
| or tag in order to mark and identify property. | | | | common thief and more likely to be returned. We feel |
| Whichever marking method you use, there is a fine | | | | that this is a very generous trade-off for expending |
| balancing act to be executed. One the one hand, | | | | just a little bit of time, expenditure and effort. |
| markings should not be executed in a way that harms | | | | |