Protecting your possessions

Advice on property marking 

Security marking valuable items discourages thieves from stealing them because it makes it more difficult for them to sell them on.  It also helps the police return your valuables to you if they are stolen but subsequently found.

You should mark your property with your postcode and the number / name of your house.  This can be done in a number of ways;

Permanent marking - using an engraving tool and a stencil.

Invisible marking - use an ultraviolet (UV) pen to write your details.  The ink when dried is almost invisible to the human eye but shows up under special light.  UV pen markings tend to fade over time so it's best to re-apply every six months.

Forensic marking - uses DNA technology to mark property with a special code which is unique to the owner.

Photographs - some items such as jewellery and antiques are not suitable for marking.  In these cases, it is a good idea to take photos of such items and keep them in a safe place with a record of any serial numbers or markings and a description.

Deterring Thieves - Criminals know about forensic property marking and fear its ability to forensically link them with the scene of the crime.  By marking your valuables and advertising this fact, you are sending out a clear warning to any potential thieves operating in your neighbourhood and deterring them from targeting your property.

What products are available ?

The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) recommends forensic marking products produced by the following companies:

Protect it - Register it.

Once you have security marked your valuables, register your property for free on Immobilise, the national property register (www.immobilise.com).  It only takes a couple of minutes and increases your chances of getting your valuables back if they are lost or stolen.

If you have information about a crime or anyone you suspect may be involved in criminality, then please let us know using the online ‘Tell Us About’ form on our website www.westmercia.police.uk.

If you aren’t comfortable contacting us directly, you can pass on information anonymously to the independent charity, Crimestoppers, by calling 0800 555 111 or by visiting their website: www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Thank you for your help. It is only by the police and the public working together that we can prevent and detect crime.