State Police offer Home Inventory Form

The Michigan State Police (MSP) wants everyone to be prepared in case they are a victim of crime or when disaster strikes. Troopers are often called to complaints of breaking and entering where the victim can be out thousands of dollars in stolen property. Being the victim of a crime is stressful enough, but now added to the stress is trying to account for items that have been stolen.

Several MSP posts across the state want to help everyone to be proactive and prepare in case they are victims. The posts are now providing Home Inventory forms. The form can be used to catalog valuable items currently owned by make, model, serial number, description, cost, etc. If a person is the victim of a crime, they can easily identify what has been stolen and provide police with a detailed list. This will allow officers to quickly identify stolen items and compare them to items posted for sale on public websites or when they have identified a suspect. The list should be kept in a locked, fireproof container. This way it can also be used in case there is a fire at the residence and the homeowner needs it for insurance purposes.

Lt. Derrick Carroll of the Gaylord Post said “It is much easier to be prepared now, instead of waiting until something happens. When our troopers respond to crime or fire scenes, the victims are understandably upset. Having to sit down and make a comprehensive list of items missing or destroyed can be daunting. This will help alleviant some of the stress and aid in the investigation”.