How is it all done?

Example of an item that has been recorded

  There is an initial site survey to identify the full scope of the task and to establish exactly what your requirements are. It also reveals the lighting conditions and what power supplies for photography are available. There is no obligation and no charge for this survey.

  Important note. For security, no documentation, record or notes taken will contain client information such as address or telephone number and no records will be retained. Each client will have a unique code number, typically a Passport Number (more secure and preferable to the N.I.E.), which will be used throughout. For additional security, at every stage of the process nothing will be sent by email or fax and every meeting will be by pre-arranged appointment. Remember to check the identity of the caller, a simple password can help.

  Every item photographed will have an identifying number, for example SG/1 SG/2…etc. Using Macro photography a mark or detail is picked out which will be unique to that item, like a fingerprint is unique to a person.

  Suitable possessions are ‘marked’, generally by engraving, using the unique number. Engraving is the preferred method over UV marking as the police in Spain do not routinely scan recovered articles with an Ultra Violet lamp and UV marking wears off, requiring renewal every 6 months. Example of an album

  An inventory is taken of every item photographed, or requested,
which should certainly include all valuables but should also include house contents. This will detail important information.

  1. Description, make/model, serial number
  2. Purchase date, location of purchase
  3. Original/replacement cost (preferably entered by the customer at a later date)
  4. Receipts, appraisals and location of records
  5. Cross reference to photographs

  All photographs are mounted and with the inventory placed in a hard covered album; also supplied is a boxed compact disc containing all the information