You know you should, but do you???

We all know we should do this, but I fear too often we just don't take the time...

Serial number documentation is something I'm borderline fanatical about. I was reminded this week of how important it is because a good friend of mine had two very nice chainsaws stolen. Using our collective resources we managed to find the azzhole who had at least one of his saws. My buddy obviously filed a police report since combined they were worth well over $1k. Despite having photos and a detailed description of the uniquely modified saw we knew this prick had the police would do nothing since he didn't document any serial numbers to provide. I had warned him I thought that would be the case and the local law enforcement folks unfortunately validated that concern.

So, do yourselves a favor and jot down the serial number of any/every saw that comes into your possession that has a value above what you'd be willing to throw away, whether you own it or not and whether you'll have it for long or not.

While we're at it, make sure your dog has identification (chip or collar tag) on it even if you have a fenced yard. chit happens, and dogs get out...

 

Funny you mention it. I am adding some serial #s to the list today.

 

Digital photos is a good idea as well - back up your hard drive to an external hard drive(I'm against putting info on "the cloud")
Anything of value in your home, tools in the shop etc. It doesn't take long and every time you get something new/used of high value.

My homeowners policy does not insure against firearms unless I get them appraised every 2 years - so I just keep shot up stuff in the front yard
Like this door....

 

I started on this task last night, got 33 of them done. Taking pictures of each one so can correlate it with my list.

 

33 per night. Only 10 more nights to go.

 

Good reminder, my list is at least 10 years old. The firearms haven't changed much but some other things have. You should also document game consoles and laptop computers/tablets. They seem to be high on the list of what gets stolen.

 

Best security system I have ever heard of:

Leave a HUGE dog bowl, chewed up cow leg bone, a section of 3/8 series 70 setup like a dog tie out chain and a muddied up pair of size 15 swamp boots by your front door.

Pin a note to the door in ledible chicken scrawl saying:

"Dear Jim-Bob

Ran into town real quick and I will be right back.
Better wait in your truck, the dogs tore up another mail man again.
He only lost a couple fingers this time and will probably
be out of the hospital next month.

-Cleatus"

 

Amen write down the serial numbers, I did not, and my recent robbery means that I have no way of proving anything to get them back even if they do show up somewhere

 

Would the dealer have the s/n ?

 

Yes, I believe they would, as long as the saw was purchased new from a dealer and registered at the time of sale.

 

Maybe a few stray empty casings may help too...

 

Put a few alarm system signs around your home, a huge deterrent.

 

How do you write on the computer monitor?

Email them to yourself and the save the email.

 

No but I should. I religiously document gun serial numbers but have never done it with my saws. Time to add that to my to do list!