Watch out for game thieves
Playing a thief in a video game is all very well, but becoming the victim of crime is less pleasant. Opposable Thumbs brings a warning that is worth heeding now and bearing in mind for the future; video game theft is on the rise.
It's easy to believe that you will never be the one to suffer the loss of all your beloved games, but it's a cruel world; the used-game market is booming, and there are few ways to trace your property back if it gets stolen. As a victim of game theft -- my entire collection was stolen about eighteen months ago, eerily about the same time that Ben at Opposable Thumbs suffered the same loss -- here is some advice that, with hindsight, I wish I had followed:
Don't leave your games piled up in plain sight to anyone peering through windows or on a casual stroll through your house.
Don't keep expensive portable gaming systems on show.
Do what you can towards your general home security.
Do try to make your easily-portable, easily-sold games less appealing -- for example, take them out of their boxes or mark them.
Do get insurance -- replacing rare and well-loved games is hard, but it's even harder if you're footing the entire bill. Keep a note of any especially rare items, and if you're the forgetful sort, maintain a list of all your games (with receipts) for easier claims.
Do report the crime immediately, if you are unlucky enough to suffer; there may be a wave of thefts and your information may help prevent more.
