continued from san juan del sur HOME

Can You Prove It’s Yours?
BY KELVIN MARSHALL

There have been a number of break-ins lately in and around SJDS. The usual items stolen are TV’s, DVD’s, camera’s, and the like. I was a recent victim. However; Kudos to the local boys in blue, they found my (landlord's) TV and my DVD player. One small problem: My (Nica) landlord cannot prove it's his T.V., he has no documents of ownership and the person who had it when his house was raided says The TV is his.

My DVD player? I have the original invoice with my passport number on it as well as make and model number of the DVD. I have the original box with the serial number sticker on it that matches the unit in police custody. Also, I had thought to write down the serial number into the handbook (which I also still have). Despite all of the above, the “Receiver or Fence” says he can prove it is his DVD. Apparently there will be a hearing in Rivas where the judicial system or even Solomon himself will render a verdict over ownership!

So here is my list of just a few things you can do to at least stand a chance of proving it’s yours:

• Keep receipts and invoices of all valuables.
• If you don't get a detailed invoice, ask the sales person to write out a factura showing make, model, serial number, and price. (Maybe get it stamped, stamps are good!)
• Take an inventory of all your valuables.
• Take photographs, particularly of distinguishing features (scratches, missing buttons, that sort of thing) Put the photos on a CD and keep copies of your inventory list in a safe place. (Also send it to yourself as an E Mail attachment and save it.)
• There are a number of commercial products available to invisibly mark your items with some kind of secret logo or number that only you will know. (Most show up only under ultra violet light)