By Yolanda Walker, Director of Public Relations

Five years ago I arrived home from work, but it was not the same home I remembered leaving that morning.  The outside looked familiar, however, the inside looked like a bad scene from a movie—my  house completely ransacked, my valuables stolen and my privacy violated. I was the victim of a burglary.

When police arrived, I was still in shock. And although I cooperated fully, I wasn’t able to help them as much as I wanted. Quite simply, I wasn’t prepared. I had no record of what was taken—no serial numbers, model numbers or detailed descriptions. Detectives called me daily and worked my case as much as they could, but they weren’t able to recover any of my things.

According to police across the country, this scenario plays out often for victims of property crime. Last year, the FBI reported there were an estimated 9,082,887 property crimes nationwide.

At Cash America, we work closely with law enforcement and our customers to help foster safe communities. One tool we developed would’ve greatly assisted me years ago—Operation I.D., a property identification kit to help consumers catalog their personal belongings.

Operation I.D. kits are available in many of our shops. Along with tips and advice on how to work with police, the kits include a place for consumers to write down descriptions, serial numbers, model numbers, dates of purchase and purchase price.

There’s even a pocket to store receipts and pictures, which is helpful when filing insurance claims as well.

Take it from me, don’t get caught off guard. Catalog your items and be proactive in protecting your personal property.

Visit one of our Cash America, SuperPawn or Cashland locations to pick up a free Operation I.D. kit today! Click here to find a store near you.