There are several things that can be done to deter would-be thieves. One of the most important, and often overlooked, is to copy down the make, model and serial numbers of your property. If there is no serial number then the property should be marked in some way to identify the owner.
Serial numbers given to police after a crime are entered into an Edmonton-based computer system and a Canada-wide police computer system, which can cause real problems for thieves.
If a person is found with suspected stolen property, the serial number can confirm that it is stolen. This then allows police to solve current and past crimes and gather information about who is doing what.
Sometimes pawn shops are used to get rid of stolen property. However, the EPS checks serial numbers in all 55 pawn shops in Edmonton before the property can be sold. If a person pawns stolen property at a pawn shop then he/she will be charged.
Serial numbers are also a good general deterrent for people purchasing items. Most people do not want to purchase stolen property because it’s wrong, but they also do not want to risk being charged with possession of stolen property.
The most valuable reason for recording serial numbers is that it allows police to return property to the rightful owner.
There are other security measures you can take around your home to deter criminals from targeting you and your property.
Business Watch
The Edmonton Police Service and pawn shops in Edmonton use Business Watch International, a Canadian company dedicated to providing computer applications to serve property owners, pawn and secondhand stores, and police agencies.
Within Business Watch, there is a consumer database, HomeWatch, which allows homeowners to enter their identifiable property such as bicycles, jewellery, antiques and any other items that you want to monitor and protect.There is also a HomeWatch database, which allows homeowners to enter their identifiable property such as bicycles, jewelry, antiques and any other items that you want to monitor and protect.