Safeguarding your belongings - POLL

[Michael Crane]

How many of you have taken the steps to physically protect your property by postcoding it? All it takes is a little time and a sharp nail or a special pen; after which, if anything is stolen and the police are able to retrieve it, you can be identified as the owner. Items that cannot be etched or written on (jewellery, glassware etc.) can be photographed using a 50 pence piece to provide scale.

If you do not have property in both countries pick just one option.

[Michael Crane]

Can I ask why those that have ticked No have not taken this simple and very effective step? At least in the UK the knowledge that a property's contents are postcoded is a deterrent in its own right. If caught in possession of postcoded goods a thief has no defence and are frequently prosecuted, with the added bonuses of your goods returned and some robbing bastard being locked away.

[superbocker]

I agree this is a simple and effective way of ensuring you get something that was stolen back. In the case of jewellery that may be of sentimental value this can be extremely comforting. However in the case of a TV or similar, i'm not sure i would want it back after it's been in some toe rags home for a few months. (by which time hopefully my insurance would have paid up).
In simplistic terms someone with your TV should get locked up. It rarely happens and the usual defence is that it was purchased at a car boot sale. (which is the modern day equivalent of 'I bought it from a bloke in a pub guv'nor'.
Definitely mark your goods but it's no guarantee of a happy ending.