Postcode your property
This makes your items difficult to sell and less attractive to thieves. It will also help police return your property to you if it is recovered. To do this:
- Take your postcode plus your house or flat number (or the first three letters of the name of your house). For example
- Chesterfield House
- Use something with a sharp point and, if you have one, a stencil set to mark your code on your possession. Or use an ultra-violet pen which can only be seen using a UV lamp (this method is not as good as the mark will fade over time). Don’t put your code on somewhere it could be easily removed, like a case, and don’t hide the mark so well that the police wouldn’t be able to find it!
9 Park Lane
Wembley
Middx. HA9 7RW
Would be HA9 7RW 9
If you move home don’t try to remove the old code. Simply put an X at the end of the old code and mark on your new code.
Property marking packs are available to borrow from all Brent Libraries.
Take photographs
The police can use these to help trace your items if they are recovered. For the most useful photographs:
- Use a colour film.
- Put a ruler next to the item, to show the size.
- Take a close up of any identifying features or serial numbers.
- Take pictures from different angles.
Taken from advice published by The Home Office & Metropolitan Police.
