Electronics, power tools, and high-value personal items are often the first targets for theft - but for victims, the hope of recovery often hinges on one crucial step taken before the crime occurs. 

A local law enforcement official is offering insight into the reality of property theft and how the system works to help residents get their belongings back. According to Lincoln Police Chief Joe Meister, there is a distinct breakdown in where stolen items are typically found.

The challenge for law enforcement often lies in the lack of documentation. When items like expensive tools or electronics are stolen, proving ownership becomes difficult without specific identifiers. Chief Meister emphasizes that the single biggest mistake victims make is failing to keep a record of their items' serial numbers.

To combat this issue, the City of Lincoln implemented a program that gives law enforcement the ability to track and recover property more efficiently. This regional database allows police to search pawn shop inventories by make, model, and serial number across neighboring communities, which has proven vital in recovering tools that might have been pawned far from where they were originally taken.

If you find yourself the victim of a theft, having detailed information ready for the police report is essential. The Chief points out that pawn shops are required by law to collect photo identification from anyone who pawns an item.

Chief Meister is encouraging residents to lock car doors, garage doors, and house doors to decrease the likelihood of falling victim to a property crime, particularly as we embark on the season when authorities see an increase in those occurrences.