Engraving or marking your property leaves no doubt as to its ownership.

Not only does it deter others from taking your property because of the difficulties involved in “offloading” identifiable property, it also helps police to recover and return items which may have been stolen.

Neighbourhood Watch state co-ordinator Sergeant Steve Batterham says a detailed inventory should be kept of all your property.

“Record serial numbers, makes and models, and when your inventory is complete, keep the list in a safe place,” Sergeant Batterham suggests. “Having a personal inventory helps police recover stolen items.”

The Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) is the Neighbourhood Watch program’s major sponsor, with the two organisations working together to further promote community safety.

Items most often stolen which should be included in a personal inventory include:

• Televisions
• Video and DVD equipment
• Binoculars
• Radios and stereos
• Microwaves
• Cameras
• Kitchen appliances
• Clothing
• Furniture
• Sporting goods
• Musical equipment
• Computer equipment
• Firearms
• Clocks
• Power tools
• Lawn mowers
• Trailers
• Chainsaws
• Garden tools
• Bicycles
• Welders
• Rotary hoes and slashers
• Tool boxes

In the car:
• Radios and CD players
• Two-way radios
• Speakers
• Mag wheels
• Tools and tool boxes
• Batteries

Free engravers are available for loan from your local police station or Neighbourhood Watch area co-ordinator.

Always seek operating advice before using the engraver, as some items are not suitable for marking by electric engraver.

REIQ Sunshine Coast zone chair Jean Hamer says the REIQ is encouraging its more than 2000 members across the state to get actively involved in their local NHW programs.

For more information go to www.police.qld.gov.au/nhw