New Christmas gifts like DVD players, personal computers and cameras are an ideal prospect for budding thieves. By taking a few simple and cheap precautions you can reduce the risk of your valuables being stolen.
What is Property Marking?
Property marking is a simple but effective way of protecting your valuables.
The details you should mark your property with include:
• Postcode
• House / Flat number / First two letters of your house.
Why Should I Property Mark?
• It discourages thieves because property that has been marked is dangerous for them to handle. It lets other people know that property has been stolen and so is harder for them to sell on.
• It is also helpful for the police because it makes tracing, identifying and returning property easier.
How can I mark my property?
There are different ways of marking property:
• Engraving / Etching - This is suitable for many hard surfaces.
- It is carried out by using an electric engraving tool or a hand graver.
- This is permanent and leaves a visible mark.
• Ceramic - Developed to use on china, glass or any glazed surface.
- This does not scratch the property but does leave a permanent mark.
• Punching- This is used on heavier metal items, for example a lawnmower, bicycles or engines.
- This marks possessions with a hammer and set of punches.
- It should NOT be used on aluminium as it can be easily damaged.
• Ultra - Violet or 'Invisible Marking'
- This involves using an Ultra-Violet (UV) pen to mark your property.
- This is invisible and can only be detected using a UV lamp.
- This method should only be used when other property marking methods would reduce the value of the object.
- This is because the mark does fade with time, especially when exposed to sunlight.
- If property is in contact with sunlight or in danger of fading – coat it with clear nail varnish. Test on an inconspicuous area first.
- So, remember the mark needs renewing regularly.
Where should I mark my property?
• This is especially important if you are using the engraving method.
• If you do not want the mark to be visible - choose somewhere behind or underneath the property.
• But not somewhere so hidden that the police are unable to spot it!
• Try to mark property in the same place. This is helpful to police officer’s if you ever have to report stolen property.
• When marking a surface try and ensure that this cannot be removed without spoiling the appearance or performance of the article.
Which property should I mark?
Perhaps ask yourself these questions:
• What is of most value to you?
• What might be attractive to thieves?
Where can I get property marking kits from?
• Easy-to-use property marking kits are available from DIY stores and stationers.
• Limited supplies of ultra-violet pens are available courtesy of Hyndburn Community Safety Partnership.
For further information and advice on property marking, please contact PC Mark Skellorn on 01254 600640.
What else should I do?
• In conjunction with this, you should also display stickers notifying potential burglars that property in your home has been marked.
• It is also useful to keep a list of all your household property including items stored in your shed or garage.
If you are in any doubt as to where and how to mark your valuables, please refer to the manufacturer or speak to your local Police Crime Prevention Officer on 08451 253545 for further information.
