The Maple Valley Police Department discussed ways to protect the most common stolen property during its monthly business watch newsletter. The authorities said the most comes thefts from the front area of businesses and that most of the stolen items are “very portable.”

Here are some of the departments tips for cutting down on those thefts:

Sculptures and Decorations

• If it is going to be placed to the front of the business place the item in clear view of the business so that attempts to steal it may be seen.

• Consider placing the item in the center of a pond or within a barrier of soft earth to make it more of a struggle to steal it.

• Take pictures of the sculpture next to a scale rule so that its size and height can be realized. If your sculpture is stolen, submit the pictures with your report. Police will help get the word out via Facebook and newsletters.

• For very valuable items consider the use of electronic security devices such as alarm detectors and video monitoring.• Install motion-activated security lights on the outside of your business facing your sculptures or decorations. Thieves prefer the cover of darkness and are less likely to steal when in the spotlight.

Trees and Shrubs

Newly planted trees and shrubs are stolen on a regular basis, because the clues are there to be seen. The soil around the new plant looks like it has been freshly disturbed and maybe the plant label hasn’t been removed. There are a number of measures you can take to reduce your chances of a theft.

• There are plant anchors specifically designed to protect new shrubs and trees. These consist of a high tensile steel cable which loops around the base of the plant and is attached to an anchoring device which is driven deep into the ground. The design is such that if you try to pull it out the hinged anchor tip digs into the soil around it and won’t come out. However, these things generally work quite well and have to be dug out of the ground with the plant thereby buying you time.

• For large specimen trees and shrubs it is possible to anchor them into the ground using three or even four plant anchors. Once the plant has been placed into its planting hole corrosion resistant steel bands are placed over the top of the root ball. These bands are attached to the plant anchors, each of which is driven into undisturbed ground. This action will tighten the metal bands and pull the plant down into its planting hole. Apart from making it difficult to steal it will also help prevent the tree or shrub from being blown around in the wind.

• Similar systems using metal bands and plant anchors, which are available at some garden centers and websites, can be used to secure potted trees and shrubs to the ground.

Protecting Mail and your Identity

Since your mailbox is your greatest point of threat in the real world, knowing how to protect your mail is your first line of defense. It starts with being attentive. Know your mail carrier, know his schedule, and know normal delivery patterns for the mail that you receive.

In addition, put some safe mail handling practices in place:

• Don’t leave mail in your box. Incoming or outgoing mail should never sit in your mailbox for an extended amount of time. For example, when you mail bills out, don’t place them in the mailbox as you leave for work in the morning. Instead, drop them at the Post Office. Also don’t leave mail sitting in your box after delivery.

• If you’re going away for a while, take advantage of the Post Office’s Request Hold Mail service. They will keep your mail safely at your local Post Office until you return. Schedule the service up to 30 days in advance. Visit www.usps.com for more information.

• Use a locking mailbox when possible. If you must leave mail sitting in your box, consider investing in a locking mailbox. These boxes allow Postal carriers to place mail in the box, but only a person with a key can remove it.

• Rent a Post Office box. A Post Office box is the safest way to have your mail delivered, and they’re not expensive if you rent one through the Postal Service.

• Use electronic payments and banking when possible. When you’re conducting financial transactions online – safely – you’re far more protected than when you send checks through the mail that can be stolen, washed, and re-used.