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Home security

Property marking

Every year your police recover many thousands of pounds worth of property from the hands of criminals. Often one of the biggest drawbacks in an investigation is trying to trace the owners of this property. Being able to trace the ownership of the property not only helps the owner to get the property back, but it can also provide evidence that is vital in securing convictions.

In order to with this, it is a very good idea to mark your property in such a way that it can be easily identified as yours. The cheapest and most effective way is by using a Uv marker pen to write your home postcode and house name or number on the item of property. It is a good idea to write this information on the underside of the item, so that it does not fade.

Every police station is equipped with Uv lights and when property comes into police possession, it is checked for Uv postcodes. Officers also take out portable Uv lights when carrying out raids, to check property in criminal's homes to see if it is stolen.

Items that are too small to be marked such as jewellery, should be photographed and any identifying marks recorded.

You should seek expert advice in relation to marking antiques and items of art, as it is recognised that marking these items can affect their value.

Uv pens cost about £1.00 and are easily available. They should be used in conjunction with a property marking card, and some small stickers which can be placed on windows at the front and rear of your home, which will tell a would be thief that property in your home has been postcoded.

Remember, by marking your property in this way

• You can mark property too hot to handle for the thief
• We can then target thieves and the handlers of stolen goods.

For further information contact your local Crime reduction Officer on 0845 606 0606.

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