The ManicaPost
Tavhiringwa Kakohwa
IN the previous week we looked at how we can prevent theft of property from our vehicles and it is encouraging to note that some sections of the community welcomed these otherwise very obvious security considerations which, however, escape the conscious part of our brain due to other pressing commitments.
We continue looking at other aspects of securing property even in instances where the property has fallen into the wrong hands in situations where we would now need to reunite the property with the owner.
Need for identification of property
Identification of stolen or lost property has often been central to policing in a number of ways. Most people rarely spare a second thought about how they may recognise their property in the event it is stolen or lost. Identification of stolen property is not only important for the purpose of resumption of ownership and use. It also facilitates the investigative process and securing of evidence to link suspects to the commission of the offence.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police has a section that specifically deals with the investigation of stolen property called the Property Section.
Identification
Property exists in various forms and therefore has different ways by which it can be identified.
While machines and other mechanical equipment may be identified by physical features it is important to note that similarities in appearances call for other forms of identification that singles out a particular item from those of its kind.
Serial numbers are one of the best ways of identifying property.
Properties like electrical gadgets have serial numbers that are either engraved on certain key parts or programmed by manufacturer into the gadget operating system where it is accessed through performing certain provided processes.
The property listed below has been subject to theft and the public need to know how they can identify it.
Bicycles, water pump, engines, electrical appliances, televisions, radios, laptops, cellphones, Ipods and tablets usually have serial numbers.
Property which does not have serial numbers can also be identified, but this requires us to put identifying marks. Such property includes: – households like sofas, kitchen utensils, kitchen units, office equipment, tables, chairs, filing cabinets, farm equipments, ploughs and irrigation equipment,
It is also important to note that property that needs to have identifying marks put by the owner forms the majority of property that give police a headache when it is recovered because owners are not readily available and when they are available they cannot tell the property apart from other properties usually kept in police property rooms which are either exhibit or found property rooms.
In the next edition of Crime Watch, we will take a look at how we can identify serial numbers and other identification marks of properties listed above. We will also assist each other on how we can secure the rest of our property by putting personal identifying marks on them for future use.
Inserted By :ZRP Manicaland Press and Public Relations
