Art theft can strike when you least expect it. Here are some precautions to protecting your collection:

-Make sure that the area where your collection is displayed or stored is thoroughly secure. A good security system will consider:

a. the physical environment of the collection: walls, windows, etc.
b. procedural access to and protection of the collection
c. electronic security monitoring

-Monitor your collection as much as possible. If possible, install a security camera to observe activity in the immediate area of your art collection.

-Be thoroughly familiar with your own security system; know its weaknesses and potential penetration points.

-Be aware of who knows of your art collection, and to whom you give access to your collection.

-As your collection grows in value, a security expert and insurance company should be consulted.

-Keep a thorough inventory of your collection, which will ease recovery in the event of art theft. Every piece should be noted with the artist, title, subject, date, dimensions (framed and unframed), description, medium, condition, any inscriptions or markings (including artist's signature), condition history, exhibition and loan history, provenance if known, price value if known, a photograph or photographs, and notes on any unique features the artwork may have. Many collectors also tag every piece with an object ID, which must be carefully done, and is often done in collaboration with an art conservator who specializes in the type of artwork being tagged. Keep a backup copy of your inventory in a separate, secure place.

-Have your collection appraised, and preferably re-appraised every five to ten years, as values for artwork fluctuate.

-Remember that artwork is generally exposed to greater risk if loaned out to exhibitions.