KENT POLICE - Working with you in Otford and Shoreham To report a non-urgent crime 01622 690690
Local Neighbourhood Officer PC Ben Clatworthy – 07980 770581 Local Neighbourhood Officer PCSO Jane Wright – 07772 226036
Crime reduction advice from your neighbourhood policing team
If you were lucky enough to have received some nice presents this Christmas it makes sense to protect them, and one good way to do this is by marking your property.
Property that is marked is less desirable to thieves as it is harder for them to sell on. Also, if your property is stolen and it is marked there is a greater chance that you will get it back. Finally, if a criminal is arrested with property that is marked it is easier for the police to prove that the property is stolen and charge the offender. Always include information that will help identify you as the owner of the property, such as a postcode, and as an additional precaution make a note of the make, model and serial number of your property and keep this in a safe place.
There are a number of different ways of marking your valuables, including:
Ultra violet (UV) or invisible marking - UV pens put an invisible mark on your property that can only be seen under a UV lamp. These markers are available from most stationery shops.
Damage marking - Garden equipment, heavy electrical items and power tools can be marked with a painted sign, making them easy to identify and deterring thieves. This may reduce the resale value of the item.
Engraving or etching - Both methods are suitable for many hard surfaces and can be done using an electric engraving tool or hand engraver.
Ceramic marking - Ceramic marking pens are designed to mark china, glass or glazed surfaces. They do not cut or scratch the surface but do leave a permanent mark.
Forensic marking solutions - These are harmless solutions that contain a unique forensic code (like a fingerprint), making it easy to identify marked items. They also leave a distinctive mark on anything they touch, which helps the police to identify anything or anyone they have been in contact with.
Specialist marking (valuable items) - Marking items like jewellery or antiques can be difficult and could reduce their value. There are now marking and valuation services specifically for these types of items. Ask at a good quality jewellers or antique shop for a recommendation.
Photograph your valuables - Take colour photographs of any items that you do not want to mark, paying special attention to any distinguishing marks such as initials or crests. Photographs should be taken against a plain background and include a ruler to give an idea of size.
Our next neighbourhood meeting is on 17th January, 2-3pm at Otford Homebase. 15
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