Mark things with your post code

Thieves like portable, high value, easily saleable goods like TVs, videos, hi-fi, home computers, laptops, cameras, jewellery, silverware and antiques. You can mark these things with your postcode and the number of your house or flat.

You can get inexpensive kits to do this from DIY stores and stationers. You can also permanently etch items with a special etching or engraving tool. This is preferable to ultra-violet or ‘invisible’ marking, which can fade or be removed. You may want to share the cost with neighbours and friends.

Keep a list, too, of the serial numbers of your television, video and hi-fi equipment. The numbers will be useful if you need to make an insurance claim.

The police will let you have a sticker for your window saying your possessions are marked. This will put off burglars.

If you have things like jewellery or silver that you don’t want to mark, take colour photos of them to include hallmarks and other identifying marks. If your property is stolen, this will help the police identify it if it turns up.

1. The first half of the postcode indicates your town and area such as: NT42.

2. The second half pinpoints the locality within that area, and part of a street, such as: NT42 9WA.

3. Mark your valuables using the postcode followed by your house number such as: NT42 9WA 7.

Help

All police forces have officers trained in crime prevention - contact your local station for advice. You can get advice on how to secure your home or business premises.

You can get further advice on home security and postcoding your property in the leaflets 'Beat the Burglar', 'Coded for Keeps' and 'Peace of Mind When You're Away'. Available from your local police station or write to Home Office, Communication Directorate, Room 151, 50 Queen Anne's Gate, London SW1H 9AT.