Taking a few minutes to create a Property Inventory Record could significantly increase your chances of recovering stolen property.
Information about stolen property with serial numbers or engravings is entered Into both the state Law Enforcement Data System (LEDS) and the National Crime Information Center (NCIC). This information is available to federal, state and local police agencies and when an item is found it can be checked through NCIC to determine if it matches any items listed. If you have created a Property Inventory Record before your property is stolen, that information could help recover your items faster.
Property Inventory Record
There are several smartphone apps and websites (Sortly and others) that can assist you in keeping property inventory records.
We have also made a template you can fill out and/or print with your property information to store in a safe place. We recommend that you make two copies, one that you can access and another that is stored safely offsite. Cloud storage services like Dropbox, OneDrive, etc are also helpful.
Download the Property Inventory Record template (pdf)
Property checklist
- Appliances
- Bicycles
- Binoculars
- Cameras
- Car stereo
- Chain saw
- Clocks
- Computers
- Electronics
- Exercise equipment
- Firearms
- Furniture
- Machines
- Music equipment
- Power tools
- Printers
- Speakers
- Televisions
- Vehicles/Trailers
- Video/game devices
For any items that do not have serial numbers, you should take photographs and store them with the form. This includes antiques, collectibles, furs, jewelry and paintings.
