An exclusive guide to report your stolen property or vehicle to the authorities and trace it with unknown sources

Misplacing something (or worse, having something taken) is a common cause of panic. Moreover, the incidence of theft of property or vehicles in South Africa is on the rise. What’s great is that you can reclaim your stolen property or vehicle. The only thing you need to know is where to start your investigation. 

Find out what to do if your belongings are misplaced or stolen, how to retrieve stolen property or vehicle, and how to prevent losing them in the first place.

Preventing theft and loss of property

Here are important guidelines you must follow to avoid losing items or having items stolen:

• Keep track of everything: Valuable information, such as serial numbers and vehicle identifying numbers, should be kept on hand. The search for stolen belongings is made easier with the help of these records.

• Use digital trackers to keep track of your progress: Placing digital transmitters on your assets, whether through an app or a monitoring device can assist you in recovering them if they are lost or stolen.

• Make sure it’s locked: Locks aren’t always perfect, but they do deter theft, especially in public settings.

• Keep it hidden. What snoops can’t see, they can’t steal. Hide your assets as much as possible so that others can’t take them.

How to track down your stolen property or vehicle:

1. A phone that has disappeared

According to a study, every year, 69.12 percent of people misplace their phones, while the remaining 30.88 percent have their phones stolen. In the event of losing your phone, you might feel helpless. The most obvious locations where the over 800 people surveyed lost their phones were at the residence, on the sidewalk, at the office, or on public transit, according to the same statistics.

What should I do next?

Your smartphone may have been misplaced, but it has not been forgotten. Here are a few ways to find it:

1. Use a location-based app: Find My Device is a built-in app on both Android and iPhones that can help you locate your phone.
2. Send an SMS: If you abandoned your phone in a public place, send an SMS to your phone with the return information. It’s easier for the restaurant, store, or a good samaritan to return your SMS if it’s expected to appear on your main screen.
3. Exercise caution: If your phone hasn’t been found yet, take some precautions. Begin by backing up your phone and then erasing it remotely to avoid further theft. You should also update the passwords to your regularly used apps and accounts.
4. Contact your service provider: Contact your service provider as soon as possible. They can shut down your service, help you locate your phone, or provide you with a replacement.
5. Make contact with your local police department: Police can assist you to fight any fraudulent charges that arise. If your phone is covered by insurance, you may be required to submit a police report to complete your claim.

2. Laptop is missing

Losing your laptop in a coffee shop, on public transportation, or at home may be a nightmare. There are a few things you may do to improve your chances of getting your laptop back.

What should I do next?

Don’t give up on your missing laptop; use these strategies to track it down and keep it safe till it reappears:

1. Be aware of your surroundings: If your laptop is snatched in a public place, the deed may be captured on camera. Inquire of anyone sitting close if they witnessed anything, and inquire of staff about any footage they may have.
2. Try a locator app: Laptops are also supported by the Find My Device (Android) and Find My (Apple) apps. Use one of these to find your device.
3. Report the incident to the authorities: Law enforcement should be contacted. A police record, like any other valuable item, can come in handy down the line.
4. Delete all of your personal information: Some software allows you to remotely delete all of your data. If this isn’t a possibility, you may still log out of your accounts and reauthorize all devices using services like iTunes and Google.
5. Make contact with your insurance company: Your insurance may cover your gadget if it is stolen from your house or automobile. To discover it, contact your agent.
6. Begin your search: Begin by looking in your local pawn shops and online classified ads on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, and eBay. If you locate your device, do not purchase it or inform the vendor that it is yours. Instead, ask if they can hold the item for you while you contact the police department to have your stolen stuff recovered.
7. When you obtain new gadgets, install anti-theft apps like Prey and LockItTight: If your device is lost or stolen, these apps can help you locate it. However, they must be on your device before it is lost.

3. A parcel is missing

Package theft isn’t only inconvenient; it also seems like a breach of privacy. Fortunately, there are options for retaliation.

What should I do next?

To prevent theft and recover stolen packages, you might use a variety of tactics. 

1. Configure a security camera: You can use a security camera to monitor every entrance to your property, as well as areas where the delivery person may have left it.
2. Get in touch with the delivery company: Make a mental note of your tracking number and order details. Then inquire about the company’s package theft policy. If the theft was caused by their error, they may be able to assist you.

1. Make contact with the retailer: Contact customer care with your order number and tracking number in hand. The customer service representative can inform you about the store’s or company’s stolen goods policy.
2. Submit a report: Notify the police and the Postal Inspection Service about your lost package. The more agencies that assist you in locating your missing parcel, the better.

4. Vehicle that has gone missing or has been stolen

Take these steps to locate your lost vehicle before reporting it as stolen.

1. Begin with the most evident: Walk around the location where you parked your automobile the last time. If your automobile has a remote, press the emergency button to find it.
2. Make contact with the parking lot management firm: If you’ve searched the neighborhood and still can’t locate your vehicle, don’t assume it’s been stolen. It’s possible that it was removed by a parking lot business or a local towing company. Inquire about your automobile with the owner of the parking lot or the towing company they use. If your automobile was taken from a garage, parking attendants may have witnessed the crime or know where to look for a video.
3. Contact the authorities: It’s possible that your car was stolen if it wasn’t towed. Remembering your vehicle identification number (VIN), license plate number, and where you last spotted it can all be beneficial.
4. Notify your insurance provider: All of those monthly payments are going to pay off in the end. If you have adequate support, your insurance company should reimburse you for the theft of your vehicle.
5. Look it up on the internet: Stolen-Property is an online site that stores internet databases of theft reports. Both sites search the internet for listings that are similar to yours.

Suggestion

Steering wheel locks and other preventative steps can help keep your automobile from being stolen. When your car goes missing, GPS vehicle detectors can assist you in finding it. We’re all prone to misplacing our things now and then. When it comes to tracking your stolen property or vehicle, a little more attentiveness can go a long way (and preventing theft). However, if you still have been faced with the issue of stolen property or vehicle, be rest assured; simply contact Investi-Center. We will help trace your stolen property or vehicle as quickly as possible.