Commuters get chance to fight back against thieves

Oct 15 2007 Liverpool Daily Post

COMMUTERS at Liverpool Lime Street are being urged to take action against mobile phone and MP3 thieves.

Officers from British Transport Police are offering a service to uniquely mark people’s property so it can be identified under ultra- violet light.

Once marked, mobile phones, laptops, and MP3 players like iPods can be identified if they are lost or stolen.

People will also be encouraged to register their property on the Immobilise website – a national database of mobile phone identity numbers and serial numbers for electrical equipment.

Only accessible by police, the database allows officers to search the database when items are recovered and reunite the owner with their belongings.

Officers will also hand out useful advice on how to avoid becoming a victim of property theft.

Crime Reduction Officer, PC Bill Ashton said, “Unfortunately, iPods, mobile phones and laptops have become extremely attractive to thieves, and we regularly speak to people who are extremely upset after losing their belongings.

“The property marking scheme is of real benefit to victims, leading to thousands of people being reunited with their possessions.

“Wherever possible, I would encourage everybody, travelling through Liverpool Lime Street, to take the time to have their property marked.”

Police officers will be marking valuables at Lime Street station, between 10am and 3pm today and tomorrow.