5 Minutes Now Could Help Recover Stolen Items Later

With a recent reported in Gulfport and the Atlantic hurricane season underway, now is the time to document your important and valuable belongings. That includes electronics, jewelry, navigation systems and more.

Attached to this article is an "Asset Inventory Form" provided by the . says the forms are available at the department’s front desk during normal business hours Monday through Friday.

What you should do:

• Fill out this form or any other documentation.
• Write down the make, model and serial number for big ticket items, such as big screen tv's and electronics.
• Take photos of the items. Even personal valuables that may not be expensive in money but sentimental value, such as jewelry, deorations, ect. Sgt. Burkhart says if an item is a one-of-a-kind and it's stolen, you'll have the proof that it belongs to you.
• Take video of your home/apartment. This will show what your home looks like inside and out. It could prove to be very valuable after a natural disaster. Before and after pictures "speak words to an insurance company," according to the Asset Inventory Form.
• Store all your documentation, photos, CD's, ect in a waterproof, fireproof safe or safe location that is not in your home. 

For more information contact the Gulfport Police Department's Non Emergency Line at (727) 893-1030.