POLICE in North Yorkshire recently gave people the chance to protect their property using the latest equipment.

Officers with the force recently held a security marking event with the latest Dot Peen technology at garden and farm suppliers Sam Turner and Sons in Northallerton.

The Dot Peen property marking system enables police to etch a unique reference number onto a range of items, which includes the postcode of the owner. This acts as a deterrent to potential theft, and will also help to recover stolen property if it’s found.

All items marked will be listed on a national database, which means that if they are stolen and are recovered elsewhere, the owner can be easily identified. It can be used on materials including metal, wood, leather and plastic.

Charlie Turner, of Sam Turner and Sons, said: "Having a close association with the farming and wider rural community we understand their vulnerability to rural crime and wanted to assist all we can in highlighting this free service that may help in the recovery of stolen goods and aid the police in the catching of these opportunist thieves.”

The event was organised by PCSO Kimberley Laws from North Yorkshire Police’s Neighbourhood Policing Team, and offered a free of charge service to help protect valuable items.

Insp David Murray of North Yorkshire Police said: "Marking your valuable property is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself from being a victim of theft or burglary. Criminals will spot the engraving, and realise that the item will be too difficult to sell on.”