49 Crime Tracker: Crime-fighting pen paying off
1:33 p.m. Thursday, July 24, 2008
A Playstation 2 is the first success story of the Record It, Report It and Recover It campaign, and it’s all thanks to a special pen and special light.
The stolen video game system was brought to a local pawn shop for cash.
But looking at the pawn ticket, employees thought the item might be stolen.
Get Your Invisible Pen
There are two places you can pick up your invisible crime-fighting pen.
The Topeka Police Department has them for free.
Safe Streets sells the pens for $2. The money is used to replenish its supply of pens.
They called police, who then used a special light to find the rightful owner's driver's license number inked on the back.
“Had we not had that available, there's no way we would've been able to identify this item as hers,” said Captain Ron Brown, Topeka Police Department.
And by taking a few minutes to mark valuables with an invisible pen, Brown says the victim avoided an expensive loss.
“Nobody wants to be the victim of a residential burglary or a theft from their home, but if they are this will help recover that property and get it back to them,” he said.
It's a crime-fighting technique Brown says everyone can and should use, n everything from bikes, to electronics to music equipment.
Ace Pawn Shop Assistant Manager Brian Oppenlander says less than one percent of the merchandise they receive each year is stolen.
And though the magical pens are a good way to protect you from thefts or burglaries, Oppenlander says there is a better method.
“I would definitely say if you can keep records of all your serial numbers of anything that would come into a pawn shop, it would pop up just like that,” Oppenlander said.
And police say the more people use the pens, the less likely criminals will get away with your belongings.
The stolen game system will be returned to its rightful owner in a week.
What you can do to protect yourself:
- Take an inventory of all valuables and list each item’s make, model, serial number, the date of purchase and the cost of the item.
- Mark the item with your driver’s license number using an invisible marker or engraver (never use your social security number)
- Items you can’t mark or engrave should be photographed.
- Jewelry should be described as to the size, weight and color of stones. This can be done free of charge at most Topeka area pawn shops.
- Keep a copy of the list, photos or computer discs in a safe deposit box or valuable area.
- Get valuables insured.
- Never leave your home or vehicle unlocked, even if you are just going to the neighbors. An open or unlocked door is an invitation to steal.
- Keep your keys with you at all times.
- Never lend your keys to anyone.
- Leave valuable jewelry, especially those items with sentimental or heirloom value, in a safe deposit box.
- If something is stolen or missing, report it right away.
Information provided by the Topeka Police Department
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