Ways to Protect Tangible Property
- Security guards are trained employees of private firms whose job is to protect tangible property or guarantee your personal safety. They are distinct from law enforcement officers, even though the Federal Protective Service (FPS) does the same job for federal government property, personnel, visitors and customers. Hiring security guards can be expensive, but it is a very effective method of protecting your property, since professional guards can deal with any type of threat (for instance, burglary and vandalism).
- Cameras are placed in every important building for a reason: They work 24/7 and can record any unlawful or suspicious act on the premises. Also, law enforcement can use the optical evidence to prosecute intruders. The mere existence of cameras (along with a placard warning that "The premises are under constant surveillance") can discourage would-be thieves. You can also use cameras to protect valuable items such as expensive jewelry, documents or a car.
- Safe deposit boxes are sealed containers stored in large vaults or high-security rooms, usually in banks and post offices. The space provided is small (you cannot store a car), and suitable for expensive but compact items such as jewelry. Deposit boxes are the safest option to store your most valuable tangible items, as safety is guaranteed by the institution itself. The holder is the only one allowed access, and, in cases of identity theft, both the institution's entry log and its surveillance system can come to the rescue.
- Insurance contracts cannot prevent a thief from stealing your property or a vandal from destroying what's yours, but insurance covers you after such an event takes place. In essence, it is a safety net for when all other protection methods fail. You have to pay a regular fee to the insurance company to qualify for compensation when something unfortunate happens. The amount of this compensation depends on the extent of coverage you buy and the measures you take to avoid theft. For instance, car theft in a private parking lot qualifies for higher compensation than theft of a car parked on a street.