Register and property mark valuable gifts

Police are urging residents to register and property mark any valuable gifts so they can be returned if lost or stolen

Police are urging residents to register and property mark any valuable gifts they got this Christmas so they can be returned if lost or stolen.

Tablet computers, smartphones and flat screen TVs are all highly prized by burglars, but by registering valuables at www.immobilise.com, owners can put details of their possessions on a database which makes it easier for police to return items that are found or recovered from criminals.

The online service is totally free and is quick and easy to use.

Darron Tickle, crime reduction specialist for Greater Manchester Police, said: “Almost any item with a serial number recovered by police can be returned to the owner if registered on the database. Users can also add photographs and certificates of ownership to their Immobilise account and update it with details of new possessions, or take off items they no longer own.

“A few minutes online can reduce the chances of your most precious possessions being stolen and increase the chances of you getting them back if they are.”

Householders are also reminded to keep Christmas packaging out of sight until the next bin collection, or to dispose of it at the nearest tip, as leaving it outside your home tells thieves what is inside.