Industry News from Yes Insurance

The former head of the Metropolitan Police Stolen Vehicle Squad has experienced first-hand the benefits of security-marking valuable equipment.

After years of advising the public not to leave valuables visible in the car window, David Ryan did just that when he left his satellite navigation system on view while he went shopping.

Opportunist thieves soon struck and Mr Ryan's window was smashed and his sat nav taken, reports website easier.com.

The former policeman was not about to let the criminals get away though, and he reported the crime over the internet.

Within an hour, police were searching the area for a motorbike registration which had been picked up on CCTV.

Soon after, two people were arrested and, because Mr Ryan had security marked his sat nav, the police had no problem in identifying the piece of equipment as his.

"This whole event could have been avoided had I remembered to take the sat nav with me," said Mr Ryan.

"The important lesson is to take care of your own property and get it marked. If something is stolen, act urgently to get the police… involved – the marking and register is an audit trail direct to you," he added.

Drivers who have their possessions marked may find that car insurance claims can be processed much quicker than those who do not.

© Adfero Ltd