MOBILE phone users are being invited to have their handsets security marked in a drive against theft.

Concerned police officers are rolling out a phone marking programme at supermarkets across the town.

They say the scheme, which involves marking the phone's battery and case and provides an identity number, will speed up the recovery of stolen handsets.

The phone marking scheme was due to take place at Tesco, in Mansell Way, today.

Tomorrow, officers will be at Asda, Middlebrook. On Thursday, they will be at Morrison's in Mornington Road and on Friday they will attend Horwich Leisure Centre. Each session runs from 10am to 4pm.

Sgt Winwood said: "I would urge people to take advantage of the scheme. For us it can be labour intensive to trace a mobile phone without marking. It is a scheme which can give peace of mind."