? ? . . . of getting a stolen item back ? ? ?
Actually, yes. Be sure to record & keep in a safe place: the serial number, model number, manufacturer of items such as bicycles, computers, TVs, any electronic equipment. With this info, it can be traced when pawned or recovered.
Some manufacturers may use the same serial number, so the manufacturer's name is also very important, especially with electronics.
With this info, the police can walk it back to your front door.
Otherwise, it goes to the impound lot.
