We're urging you to mark and register your property

We are urging you to register and put identifying marks on existing or newly-acquired valuables following the festive season.

We know that many people will have new valuables for Christmas, and we want to help as many of you in our community to keep your belongings safe.  Marking and registering property also gives us a better chance of reuniting you with your belongings should you unfortunately become a victim of crime.

Register your valuables such as tools or electronic devices using an accredited property database such as Immobilise. You can register anything that as a serial number free of charge with Immobilise. We would also encourage you to Register your frame number for free on a cycle database such as Bike Register. The frame number is usually easily located on the crank shaft.

You can also mark your valuables using a forensic marking solution only visible under Ultraviolet (UV) light to make them less attractive to thieves. This can take the form of a special marker using ink or paint. Mark or etch your property with your postcode, house or flat number or the first three letters of your address. All of these measures help police identify stolen goods, making it harder for thieves to sell.

We would also encourage you to take photographs and keep documents like receipts related to your property so you can prove ownership.

Inspector Mike Head said: "If we recover items which we believe to be stolen, but they aren’t marked, registered, or don’t match any reports we hold, then we won’t be able to return them to their rightful owner.

"Registering valuables is a really simple step to take, and it’s a bit of a no-brainer if it means a thief could be deterred from targeting you, or it could lead to the recovery of your property if you are unfortunately a victim of crime.

"Taking pictures is quick and easy as well, and it means we have something further to evidence your ownership or provide a description to the public if we need to issue an appeal."

Local Neighbourhood Policing Teams will be holding property marking sessions over the next few weeks, and we would encourage you to check the local Facebook pages for details or dates, times and locations.

Find out more here: https://www.lincs.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/protect-home-crime/mark-your-property/