Mark your valuables

I was reading in the media this past week about the police nabbing some suspects involved in a large-scale bike theft operation. Apparently they recovered hundreds of bikes and are in the process of returning them to their owners. But without being able to prove ownership, it makes the process that much more difficult.

Police recommend that you use an engraving tool to mark your valuables. Two recommended options are to mark your SIN or your license plate number on them. One problem with the SIN suggestion is that police can't locate you via your SIN - that's private information. Whereas your license plate is a different story - very easy to find you.

Want an easy trick to be able to prove the bike is yours, roll up and stuff your business card down the seat post. Then it should be relatively easy to fish it out down the road, should the need arise.

But on a larger scale, many of us just can't make the time to go through such a seemingly laborious and time-consuming process. Is there an alternative? I think so - courtesy of the digital age.

Take digital pictures of your valuables.
Shoot photos like crazy.
And even include yourself in some pics, to prove a personal connection between you and that item. (I.e. just because I photograph a Ferrari doesn't mean it's mine). Being in the photo with your valued possession doesn't automatically prove that it's yours either, but it makes the case for it that much more compelling.

When you buy a house and you're also purchasing certain chattels with it, such as a fridge, stove, dishwasher, select light fixtures etc., make your to ask your realtor to include a clause in your offer that gives you permission to photograph those specific chattels. (do not photograph without the seller's permission and especially do not photograph items that are not part of the offer - how would you feel if it was happening in your house?)

By taking photos of chattels at the time of the offer, you can set an expectation of what you should be getting on closing date, plus the condition they're in as well. In rare instances, unethical sellers have tried to swap out appliances after the sale, but before closing. Having pictures, plus having a clause in your offer that tells the sellers that you are likely to have these pictures is a strong deterrent to problems on your closing date.

I would rather take the extra steps up front to try to prevent problems down the road, than having to deal with them after the fact.