Property Crime Accounts for 80% of Non-Violent Crime Across the U.S.

Serlock Integrated Systems Provides Solid Tips on How to Find and Track Down Stolen Items

POMPANO BEACH, FL / ACCESSWIRE / July 27, 2022 / According to recently released data by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. murder rate rose 30% between 2019 and 2020, the largest single-year increase in more than a century. These findings align with data provided by the FBI which was released last fall. Despite the recent spike in homicides, most Americans face a far greater risk of being victims of non-violent crimes. Property crimes - larceny, burglary and vehicle theft - are by far the most commonly reported of all major crimes in the United States. They account for 80% of most serious offenses tracked and reported by the FBI.

According to the FBI, a burglary happens every 27.7 seconds in the U.S. In the case of home burglaries, they occur every fifteen seconds and usually during the day when less people are at home. In 2020, the total stolen property value in the U.S. was estimated at $971.3 billion dollars with only 5.6 percent of that value recovered. Most stolen property ends up pawn shops throughout North America which generates $11.4 billion in industry revenue.

Yet, a large percentage of burglary victims don't report their losses. Just one-third of property crimes are reported to the police, according to the latest theft statistics, and it is with this risk-reward ratio that allows thieves to live and thrive. Bryan Williams, security expert and President of Serlock Integrated Systems, says that when items are reported stolen, most police departments aren't able to recover them because the valuables haven't been registered.

"Most people expect and believe their police report is being actively investigated," says Williams, a former police officer who began his police career at the West Palm Beach Police Department in Florida in 1999. "In reality, only a small portion of these cases are. This is due to the fact that without clues, witnesses or evidence, nothing can be done and your police report is labeled inactive. Without vital information, police are unable to investigate the loss."

The key to recovering stolen items, Williams says, is to register your valuables on a secure web application. In the event of a theft or burglary, police can enter the information into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database and compare model and serial numbers or property through the U.S. and Canada. If items are stolen, individuals can receive an alert that their property has been located. The database works much like the National DNA Index System.

Williams, who served in various capacities in law enforcement such as Street Crimes Unit, Organized Crime, Quick Response Team, Narcotics, Surveillance Crimes, knows how thieves operate and states they have become "more sophisticated and tech savvy." Yet, Williams adds the likelihood of a safe return of stolen items increases to over eighty-percent when individuals register their property. This also helps law enforcement apprehend criminals and connects them to the stolen merchandise.

And for homeowners, registering valuables is even more important. Homes that don't have a security system are 300% more likely to be burglarized. And even having a security installed isn't foolproof. "Thieves have learned to defeat and surpass these technologies," Williams says. "Security alarms get slow responses from police departments and ring systems are easily disabled through vandalism. The goal is to be preemptive. By getting ahead of the thieves, you help law enforcement identify your property and help them to connect the crime to the criminal which increases your chances of getting those items returned to you."

ABOUT SERLOCK INTEGRATED SYSTEMS

Founded by Bryan Williams, Serlock Integrated Systems is a tracking software company that safely stores inventory on personal valuables including guns, bicycles, laptops, electronics, equipment or tools. Unlike alarm and door ring systems, Serlock Integrated technology operates in complete anonymity and allows customers to show proof of ownership anywhere in the United States and Canada. If any valuable is lost or stolen, Serlock Integrated software can track its location, giving users an 87% chance of recovery. Customers can use any laptop, computer or smartphone to recover their inventory no matter where they are. To learn more visit www.serlockintegrated.com. For additional information, visit Serlock on Facebook.

CONTACT

Bryan Williams
https://www.serlockintegrated.com/
bryan@serlockintegrated.com
(561) 578-9813

SOURCE: Serlock Integrated Systems