Mark goodies to beat burglars

Neighbourhood Watch volunteers are urging householders to get their valuables security marked to cut local crime levels.

The initiative is part of the scheme's community safety week, which starts today. Organisers say one-in-35 homes was burgled last year and everyone should play a part in making life harder for the burglar.

Peter Bates, secretary of the 6,000-member Shirley Neighbourhood Watch scheme, said the latest high-tech pens enabled householders to mark their belongings with invisible ink.

"People can mark possessions with their house number and postcode and it will be entirely invisible until scanned under an ultra-violet lamp,' he said. Organisers say everyone can play a part in property marking:

Motorists should have chassis numbers and postcodes etched on to car windows Caravan owners should have car registration numbers painted on the roof of their vehicles Bicycles should be postcoded using ultra-violet pen Schools should ensure computers and sports equipment are marked Stereos, compact discs and rollerblades can be marked rapidly with a scribe and stencil Businesses should ensure computer chips, mobile phones and staff handbags are protected Plant prickly shrubs can deter unwanted garden guests Ensure garden tools and ornaments are marked and secured

Hampshire Neighbourhood Watch Association has about 5,000 schemes in operation across the county, with an average of 25 homes in each.

President Margaret Filley said: "Neighbourhood Watch is an absolutely integral part of police attempts to reduce crime. It is about creating a sense of community, a sense of well-being. We want people to increase not only their own security but that of their neighbours and friends."

For advice on security marking or Neighbourhood Watch schemes contact the crime reduction officer at your local police station.

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