Video theft deterrents become more necessary

Press, 9 May 1984, Page 29

Video theft deterrents become more necessary

Video cassette recorders, because of their value, desirability and easy portability, are a prime target for theft, as police statistics show. Nationally, during the December 1983 to January 1984 period, more than 800 V.C.R.S were reported stolen. In Christchurch, the average theft figure for each of those months was 30 sets. It has become imperative for V.QR. owners to be more than aware of the risk, and actively use theft deterrents. The obvious one which is nevertheless worth stressing

is to hide the V.C.R. from outside view when the house is unoccupied. Local video firms say it is astounding how often this obvious precaution is ignored by V.C.R. owners. New ideas in theft deterrents are being brought into practice by the Noel Leeming video centre. One is an alarm system, which is activated when the V.CR. lead is disconnected from the power supply. The alarm produces a very loud sound, and should persuade a would-be thief to abandon the attempt immediately. This alarm system will be

available soon, at a cost of $19.95. An existing Noel Leeming service which is considered a major theft deterrent is the permanent engraving of the V.C.R. serial number and ownership details in three locations on the machine. This method for permanent V.C.R. identification has been devised to counter the fact that the serial number on V.C.Rs is placed on an easily-removed adhesive metallic tape. The company manager, Mr Noel Leeming, says that even if the engraving should

be ground down by a thief, there are methods available to the police to bring it back into focus. Positive identification of the machine can therefore be established. Of course, anyone presented with a V.CJL with the obvious markings of grinding in three places will know the machine is stolen property. This permanent engraving service is available to any person who has bought their V.C.R. machine from the Noel Leeming firm, who has it serviced there, or who is a member of the video library. _____