Tips on Recovering Stolen Items

Being burgled is a terrible experience, but it can be a wake-up call for many of us about how poorly protected our assets can be.

While insurance can help cover the cost of replacing items most of us would rather have our property back. However, even if police recover stolen goods one of the hardest issues can be proving who the real owners are of each item. If you don’t have records and your items aren’t security marked then it can at times be virtually impossible to prove ownership.

Using Identifying Security Marks 

Many people don’t know how to protect their items in the event of a burglary therefore fail to do so. To be safe, keep item descriptions, serial numbers, and photos of your valuables. You can also place identifying security marks on your property, so they can be quickly recognised as belonging to you.

Try marking your soft items, such as leather, or cloth with a marker and use a UV security marking pen to mark high valued Items with ‘shiny’ surfaces such as iPads, tablets, laptops, projectors, cameras, mobiles, bikes, garden utilities - where chemical etching won't penetrate.

Call the Police 

The first thing to do when you find that your home has been broken into is do call the Police. Filing a police report and providing as much information as possible about your stolen goods will help the police in their investigation.

Check in with the police weekly to see if they’ve made progress on your case. Reminding the police about your case will keep it fresh in their minds.

Check out local pawn and second-hand goods Shops 

It is not uncommon for thieves to take stolen goods to a pawn shop or second hand goods store in your local area and surrounding towns. Ring around and visit some of these shops immediately after the event.

If you find your goods in a shop don’t demand your good back or attempt to buy them back. You should ask the shop to reserve them for you and contact the police straight away.

Browse through the eBay listings 

EBay is another popular method used by burglars to get rid of hot items. If you happen to stumble across your missing items on eBay, print a copy of the listing, complete with the eBay site address, date, item number, and User ID.

Print one copy for yourself and one for the police. By giving the police the listing, they can then go about recovering your items. Hopefully these tips will be able to help you recover your stolen items in the unfortunate event of a burglary.

Remember by security marking your items, this will increase your chances of recovering them.

Security Marking for Business and Industry 

If you’re an organisation or business then your security marking needs to be more organised than a simple UV pen and the method you use can vary across your different assets and equipment.

Specialists in asset and security marking Dantech Ltd can help you find the right security marking system for you including UV security marking stencils suitable for shiny surfaced equipment like iPads, ID security plates for big or high value equipment and asset labels for smaller items, tools and equipment. For more information visit www.idmark.com.

Protect Your Classroom Equipment with Asset Labels

Protecting Class Room Equipment

When maintaining a class room, it is essential to know where your school equipment is and to ensure that it can easily be tracked and catalogued.

 It may actually be surprising just how much valuable equipment a single class room can have, and this goes double to class rooms geared towards specialised subjects, such as science or technology.

As such, using security marking methods such as asset labels coupled with equipment inventories and bar codes or ID numbers to track your equipment is a very good way to keep abreast of where they are and when they’re not where they’re supposed to be.

Tracking Equipment in Schools 

It can be very tricky to keep tabs on equipment in a school setting, as it’s frequently the case that there are more students and more classes than there is equipment for lessons. As such, items often rotate classrooms, winding up in rooms without proper authorisation.

While writing the schools name in permanent pen might seem like a cheap and effective solution it seldom works as a real security measure. The easiest way to mark your classroom equipment is to use an asset label with a proper bar code or ID number.

Asset labels are dedicated permanent labels containing key security or identity details for the item of equipment. Good quality ones are near impossible to remove and can withstand regular use and harsh environments. In addition for very small equipment there are even mini labels using 2D or QR codes.

Asset Lists 

By assigning each piece of school equipment a code or number you can link a database of equipment details directly to an item via the asset label number. As such, asset labels allow equipment to be quickly identified by other members of staff or students and promptly returned to where they should be.

Carefully written and tracked equipment lists can be used during class set up to note what is being used, where it is being used and who is responsible for it. After the class, the list can then be used to track if any items are missing, where they are likely to be and, in worst case scenarios, who will be held responsible for its damage or loss.

For more details on asset labels visit ID Asset labels or for UV security marking and ID plates visit ID Mark.

Security Marking Tablets To Protect Your Property

Perhaps the greatest irony of the 2008 Recession is that, even during its height, sales of highly expensive personal items continued to grow, such as the latest models of mobile phone, laptops and tablet computers.

Many of us now carry around several hundred pounds worth of electronic devices that simply help us function in an increasingly cyber-dependent world. Indeed it’s actually become very common for someone’s entire life to be held on a single hard-drive, from baby photos to e-invoices to personal contacts.

Increased Risk

Of course, with all this lovely expensive tech comes as increasing need for security and sadly a side effect of recession periods can be an increase in theft. While many security measures work to lock down a device or protect the data stored inside what most of us would like is deterrent to prevent the theft in the first place.

It is a sad fact that even the best locks can be broken, and that determined thieves can eventually overcome most security measures. Something like a Kensington lock or an alarm rather than a form of immunity against theft; is rather more akin to a delaying action or a deterrent. If a thief does decide to pinch your locked and alarmed laptop, you can be reasonably sure he also has the determination to break or circumnavigate the other security measures.

So what do you do if the locks fail and the thief gets away with your company tablet computer, one which potentially holds a vital work files and information?

Sad to say, but there isn’t a lot you can do yourself, however if your company had security marked your tablet they would have improved your chances of the police finding, identifying and returning your tablet to you safe and sound.

 Security Marking

When we talking about security marking tablets, laptops and other tech, what we’re actually doing is marking such devices with a small security label, stencil or plate. These create a permanent mark of ownership in many cases a company name and can include a unique security number for identification, and maybe even other informational titbit's such as contact details. 

While security labels can be made from a number of materials a tamper evident material break into small pieces when attempts are made to remove them. This makes it even harder to remove and clearly shows tampering. Products like ID Silver Mark and ID Mark leave a permanent UV identification which can be clearly seen under the correct lighting, This makes security marked items harder for thieves to sell on (fences and dealers are usually unwilling to accept “hot” goods) and easier for them to be identified if recovered.

While security marking cannot guarantee that your tech will be returned with any due swiftness, it can help improve the chances of the item being found, and that in itself can be well worth the investment. 

For more information about security marking tablets, phones, laptops and other devices, or security tag IDs in general, visit Dantech - ID Mark security marking, a company that specialises in security marking for business, industry and organisations. You can also contact them directly by phoning 01354 688 488.

Small Tool Tagging and Tracking

Does your company have a valuable number of small tools? If the answer is yes then you will understand how difficult it is to keep track of them. By their nature small tools are highly vulnerable to being lost or stolen to it’s very important to have a good tracking system in place.

What you need is to be able to permanently mark each tool in such a way that it can quickly matched up with a database containing all the key data about that tool including:

• When it was purchased, how much and who from
• Who has responsibility for it
• Location it should be
• Maintenance history

By doing this you then quickly determine who is accountable for each item and ensure tools are being returned to their correct location.

So how can you get enough information in a small enough label to mark these small tools?

The solution is to use QR or Data Matrix codes, by adding these to a small ID label you can quickly and easily keep track of all your small tools.

What are Data Matrix codes?

Data Matrix code is a 2D type of code used mostly by industry for marking small parts due to its small size coupled with its high reliability.

These 2D codes can be read from any angle and even if the code image is damage by up to as much as 30% it can still be read.

Small and Tough

Data Matrix Labels

As well as being small your data matrix labels need to be made from a hard wearing material so they can withstand daily use coupled with a very strong adhesive so they stay put and can’t be easily removed.

Dantech QR code or Data Matrix labels have the code laser engraved into a Acrylate material which will withstand harsh environments, chemicals, abrasion and heat. This makes these ID labels suitable even for use with surgical instruments. Dantech also print Data Matrix code labels on aluminium foil, which can withstand a High temperature resistance, up to 150ºC short term, and down to - 40ºC.

Dantech are experts in asset marking and labelling solutions for business, industry and other organisations and assist customers daily to find the right asset labelling or marking solutions.

For more information visit http://www.idassetlabels.co.uk/asset-labels/datamatrix-asset-labels.html.

Need Asset Labels in a Hurry?

Custom Asset Labels with Fast Delivery

Asset labels are a great way to keep track of your organisations property and equipment. These little yet power labels allow you to clearly mark your ownership on all your fixed assets helping to prevent valuable equipment from being misplaced or stolen.

Ideally you would keep a supply of asset labels in your office so new equipment can be quickly tagged ready to be used, but this is not always the case.

If you have run out of asset labels, or need new ones in a hurry there is a solution.

Express Labels allows you to quickly and easily design your own asset labels online and delivered to you fast.

Benefits of using Express Labels

• Custom design your own asset labels
• High quality and durable labels from experts in asset ID marking Dantech
• Quick and easy online ordering
• Fast delivery

How it works

Creating your own asset labels is easy in only 8 simple steps.

1. Choose your design
2. Select a size
3. Choose a colour
4. Add your text
5. Add Numbering (optional)
6. Select label material
7. Choose quantity (in units of 100)
8. Add any extra instructions

You can view your design throughout the process allowing you to make changes until you get the perfect design.

Then it’s through the checkout and your asset labels will soon be winging their way to you.

Visit express labels!

Which label material?

Your hardest decision could be which label material to select so here is a simple guide to help you choose:

• Vinyl Labels - A durable and economical material with a strong adhesive, which will adhere to a wide range of surfaces. Good budget choice!
• Metalized Polyester Labels - Premium asset labels supplied with the best available universal powerful adhesive which will stick to most surfaces.
• Ultra Destructible Tamper Evident Labels - These tamper evident labels are impossible to remove in one piece and will break into small pieces if anyone tries to remove them making them a good theft deterrent that also discourage unauthorised asset transfers.
• Aluminium Foil Labels - Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Aluminium foil labels give you a high performance asset labelling solution for extreme situations.

So if you need asset labels in a hurry then visit express labels today!

For a wider selection of asset labelling and ID marking solutions visits Dantech’s other sites

ID Asset Labels - Asset Labels and Plates

ID Mark - Property & Equipment Identification Marking

Or call Dantech on +44 (0)1354 688488.

What are Security Labels?

Security Labels are a type of sticker that can be attached to your business equipment and fixed assets to deter the chance of them being lost or stolen by clearly identifying the items as your property.

The security label usually attaches via very adhesive glue on the back of a laminated piece of plastic or metal, engraved on which are your company details.

Recommended security

The UK’s Home Office recommends the use of these labels, with identifiable information such as company name and postal code clearly visible.

Many businesses now use millions of Security Labels and plates to protect items such as laptops, mobile phones, printers and even larger factory equipment. The idea behind security labels is that once stuck onto an object, it is incredibly difficult, or even impossible to remove the label without damaging the object onto which it is stuck. This helps to deter would-be-thieves from stealing these possessions, although it is obviously not a definite prevention.

Having these Security Labels on your property also means that if any of your items did by any chance happen to go missing, with a Post Code and Company Name marked clearly on them, they can be quickly identified as your property and returned.

Finding the right labels for you

Depending on the type of property that you are trying to mark, Security Labels come in different classes. Some are very simple, small stickers which a company name, logo and contact number can be printed on. Then, you can get larger stickers for property that is bigger. These are generally much stickier to prevent someone getting purchase on them and ripping them off.

At the high end of the security label market, it is possible to acquire Ultra Destructible labels, which, if tampered with will break into smaller pieces every time, making it impossible to remove them. Alternatively, you can buy metal plates which can be melted on to certain surfaces with a special super-glue. These can only be removed with specialist tools which are likely to damage the product they are on anyway.

When you buy a set of security labels, they usually come in a bulk buy purchase, where you purchase at least a couple of hundred labels. The price per label then decreases if you order more and more. For more details on types of security labels and pricing visit ID Asset Labels.

Protecting Irreplaceable Memories with Camera Security Labels

They say a picture speaks a thousand words, capturing unforgettable moments and life changing events. From snap shots of your far away adventures or family occasions to that first picture of your little prince or princess as they are brought into the world, the photo albums are sure to be bulging with moments set in time for all to admire. Owning a camera offers you the opportunity to make a lifetime of memories that many will always cherish.

Choosing the right camera for you can be a big decision. Whether you’re looking for the best zoom capabilities to capture those all important moments or a specific design style.  With options to buy a more professional camera with different lens detachments or family friendly and easily stored pocket cameras there are now so many different ways to record your memories. With the regeneration of traditional polaroid cameras and vintage styles – the options to snap those special events are now even greater.

One thing to always this about is security. Keeping those memories safe is just as important as having a high quality camera. You should protect your camera not only because of the value of its value but, more importantly, because of the value of the pictures stored within – some of which are simply irreplaceable. One way which this can be done is with camera security labels that can be attached to your photographic equipment.

Camera security labels can be designed specifically for you with your details inscribed including name and contact number. If lost, your camera’s security label may help it to find its way back to you. These labels are usually self-adhesive and can withstand high temperatures. As well as this they also act as an excellent deterrent against wandering hands as the labels cannot be removed cleanly if tampered with. The labels can also come in a variety of sizes from as small as 9mm making them a discreet yet desirable addition to any of your camera equipment. Using camera security labels can protect those important photographic memories from being lost forever.

For more information on how to keep your camera safe, visit the website of DANTECH asset labels or contact a member of the team direct on 01354 688488 to discuss your needs.