‘Tis the best time of year to update your records. As we move into 2022, the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office encourages community members to keep a record of any newly purchased or valuable gifts received. That includes keeping copies of receipts, serial numbers, and photos of your items.

Keeping accurate records of your valuables greatly increases the likelihood they will be returned if stolen. About 80% of suspected stolen property can't be returned because there is no proof of ownership.  

Here's what you can do:

1. Write down the item's serial number
2. Record how much you paid for it or keep the receipt 
3. Add a unique mark - like your initials, or a unique symbol
4. Take a picture

If your valuables get stolen, report it immediately. With the records that prove the items belong to you, deputies can then return your property if found.

To make it easy, the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office has created a step-by-step guide to record your serial numbers. Click here to download in English. Click here for Spanish.

There’s also an app for that! Home inventory apps are available for free on the App and Google Play stores. Many will allow you to easily store copies of receipts, photos of your items, and their serial numbers all in one place.

Thank you for partnering with us to prevent and solve crime!