Homeowners In Prosper Are Taking Inventory

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PROSPER (CBSDFW.COM) - Police are encouraging new homeowners in Prosper to use a high tech tool to take inventory of their valuables. This technique could help them get their items back.

With the evening burglar in Collin County still at large, many are worried they could become the next target of the person thought to be responsible for dozens of thefts in that area.

Homeowner Joann Slaven says, "It's very scary because I have family that lives all over this area." That's why Slaven is taking the advice of police and keeping an inventory of her most valuable belongings. "I walk through the house and video things that I think are important."

In addition to taking photos, investigators encourage homeowners to write down serial numbers, and now they're asking them to take it one step further, and enter that information into an online database. Police report they have already used the database to track stolen items.

Gary McHone, assistant chief of Prosper police says, "In the event they become a victim of a crime, it's already in place, already in the system. When officers come out to take those reports, it's easily accessible."

Some worry about the safety of storing personal information in the cloud. "I would be a little reluctant just because I wouldn't know who has access to it." Slaven said.

McHone insists the system is secure and more reliable than storing the information somewhere it can be lost. He said it's virtually stored. The information is out there, always accessible and always in a safe place for law enforcement should that time come that we need it.

At a time when so many people are moving into new homes, this is an opportune time when unpacking and setting up electronics to take the time to create an inventory, so you can track it if it goes missing.

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