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Protect your property

Advice on protecting your property

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The police recover many items that have been lost or stolen.  By security marking items that have financial or sentimental value, it is easier for the police to identify them and return them to you.

Marking your property may also act as a deterrent to thieves, who do not want to be caught holding or passing on stolen items.

Always include information that will help identify you as the owner of the property, for example, a postcode.

 

Protecting your propertySecurity marking your property

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.

Watch our video for more advice

Watch our short video for more tips on protecting your home and keeping your valuables secure.

 

immobiliseOther precautions you can take

  • Record serial numbers and mobile phone IMEI numbers
  • Register the serial numbers of your valuables on Immobilise.com - the UK national property database
  • Get and keep receipts when you buy new and used items
  • Take care of your receipts and photographs - these can be stolen too
  • Door and window stickers that say 'property is security marked' may deter thieves from trying to access your home 

You can help us recover your property and successfully prosecute by following these steps.

Please be aware that following these steps cannot guarantee that property will not be stolen, or that it will be located if it is stolen.

 

Get insured

If you have home contents insurance you know that stolen belongings can be replaced although this will never compensate for the loss of items of sentimental value.

 

If you are a victim of burglary

As soon as you are aware that you have been the victim of a burglary and/or your property has been stolen:

  • Contact your bank/building society/credit card company immediately to cancel any bank/credit cards - do this even before you report the incident to the police
  • Report the incident to the police by calling 101
  • Contact your home contents insurer 
  • Replace door and window locks.

 

More advice

Take the Home Office questionnaire and find out how secure your home is. 

Read the Land Registry's advice on protecting your home from property fraud. Alternatively, visit the Land Registry website.