MEMBERS of the public are being encouraged to make their mark . . . and deter thieves from stealing their property.

Bolton's Crime Prevention police officers are urging people to put their own special brand name on everything they own of any value.

The campaign to encourage property marking comes after an investigation revealed that less than two per cent of property recovered by the police has some form of identification on it.

Identification can come in the form of a serial number which the owner takes note of, reported imperfections noted, or a unique bonding code or post code.

Crime Prevention Officer, PC Stuart Ashall, explained: "Time and time again police take reports of thefts and burglaries with property listings such as 'one video recorder (make unknown)' or 'Pedal Cycle (red)'. How can the police possibly hope to return such property to its rightful owners.

"Security marking can also result in reduced insurance premiums by companies.

"Thieves do not like identifiable property. When confronted by a postcode or permanent unique reference number, many will walk away to look for property elsewhere.

"Handlers of stolen property will often not accept property which has been security marked, so why should the thief steal it in the first place?

Property marking tools include ceramic markers, diamond tipped engravers, fabric markers, ultra violet markers, and destructible and indestructible labels. The most common method is using ultra violet marker pens. These are sold by the Bolton Crime Prevention Panel for 50 pence at Bolton Central Police Station.

An easy to follow six step plan has been drawn up for householders:

Buy an ultra violet pen;

Systematically visit each room, making a list of items to be coded, together with their model numbers, value, colour and any identifying marks;

Code each item with postcode and house number. Mark the item on the side, underneath or top.

Make a note of where each code is marked on individual items;

Copy your list and send a copy to your house contents insurer, and place one in a safe place - such as a bank;

Items that can not be coded should be photographed on a tray with a 12 inch ruler alongside to give impressions of size. Send a copy of the photograph with other information to the insurer.

PC Ashall added: "Almost any item can be coded, even animals."

Free cycle stamping sessions are also planned. On June 28 at Heathfield Primary School; August 2 at Plodder Lane Primary School; and on September 6 at Ladybridge Primary School

For further information about security marking contact PC Ashall on 0161 856 5625 or Chris Waters on 0161 856 5746.

"Property marking is not a new concept. In the UK it has been given an added impetus over recent years as a result of the introduction of postcodes - a method of uniquely identifying individual households when accompanied by the house number.

"Property marking falls into two main categories - overt or discreet. In most cases, visible marking of property will be preferred on the grounds that the thief or receiver will be deterred by seeing the mark.

"However, there are circumstances when covert marking with ultra violet marker will be more appropriate - if for example it would detract from the appearance of the item.

"There are a few items of property which can not or should not be marked such as antiques or jewellery. In cases like these photographic identification and logged marks may be appropriate."

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