Deter thieves and help us to recover your property

Property marking is another line of defence against theft. It deters thieves and can help us trace more stolen property.

If it's worth taking, it's worth marking…

Look around every room in your home as well as outside in your garage or shed. Consider all the things you would be sorry to lose or find hard to replace - then mark them. Mark your property with your own Post Code and your house or flat number.

Marking is easy

Property marking is a quick, easy Do-It-Yourself job, and it costs so little. For an outlay of only a few pounds and an hour or so of your time you could be saving yourself a great deal of money, inconvenience and personal anguish.

Invisible marking - Mark property with Invisible ultra-violet marker pens that are available from most DIY stores and stationers. In normal daylight it cannot be seen, but if something marked is stolen we can identify it with a special ultra-violet lamp. Remember - UV marking fades and will need to be renewed every so often. Permanent marking - Engraving and punching identifies your property for good. Inexpensive tools and kits for the job can be bought from DIY shops and ironmongers.

'Marked property' stickers - It pays to show you are 'Property Marked'. Stickers strategically placed anywhere a burglar might force an entry provide a very effective deterrent, and are available free from most Police Stations.

Marking your car - Have your car's registration number etched onto all its windows, either having it done professionally or using a special kit. A thief would then have to replace them, which is expensive and off-putting. You may also Property Mark your car and its contents with your postcode as described above. Use an ultra-violet pen, or an engraver in a place where a thief will not notice.

Help and advice

This page tells you what you need to know about Property Marking, so you should be able to start on your own property straight away.

However, if you would like more advice on ways to prevent crime contact one of our Police Crime Prevention Officers on 01953 424242.

Please note:

Whilst all surveys, reports, schemes and recommendations prepared by the Norfolk Constabulary are believed to be accurate and reliable, they are prepared on a voluntary basis without charge. You should note that the Chief Constable, the Norfolk Police Authority and the Home Office will not accept any liabilty whatsoever, in contract tort (including negligence and breach of statutory duty) or otherwise for any loss, damage or injury which may occur in the event of any of the advice, apparatus or materials recommended being found unsuitable, inadequate or defective.

The total elimination of crime cannot of course be guaranteed and in any event is the responsibility of the criminal. However, this range of options, if implemented, should reduce the opportunity for crime to be committed.

Crime prevention strategy should be re-assessed on a regular basis.