PEOPLE can have their laptop computers and mobile phones security marked at a safety conference today.

The Brandon Community Centre, off Brandon Lane, is hosting a community safety day between 10am and 4pm.

Crime prevention officers will use ultra-violet pens to mark phones and computers with the owner's postcode. The service is free, and advice and information on other crime-prevention initiatives will also be available. Anyone wishing to have their property marked but is unable to attend the event should ring Sergeant Max Newby or PC Dave Strong on 0191-375 2816.

GARAGE RAID: Burglars stole a washing machine, a motorbike and a mountain bike worth a total of £6,500 from a garage in the Beach Road area of Tynemouth, sometime between midnight and 8.30am yesterday. The items were taken from a home. The motorbike was a red 600cc Honda, registration AL33 FEF. Anyone with information is asked to call North Shields CID on 0191-214 6555, extension 63144.

SHED CRIME: A £20,000 drive to curb shed burglaries on Tyneside was launched yesterday. The cash will go on a Northumbria Police pilot scheme in Killingworth. The funds will go towards providing shed owners with better alarm systems and to improve shed security.

HISTORY DISPLAY: A photographic exhibition marking the last 100 years in Jarrow, Tyneside, goes on display today in the town hall. The exhibition marks the centenary of the laying of the hall's foundation stone. The hall will be open between 10am and 4pm. Admission is free.

SEEDY TRAIL: Sunderland Voluntary Countryside Rangers lead a three mile seed-gathering on the banks of the River Wear today between 10am and noon. People wishing to take part should call 0191-553 1555.

FOLK CLUB: The Davy Lamp folk club holds a Geordie night tonight in the Arts Centre, Washington, at 7pm, with a performance by Johnny Handle. Frankie O'Neill will introduce local artists and there will be a pie and peas supper. For further details, contact 0191-219 3455.

MUSIC CLUB: Derwentside Accordion Club meets in Castleside Working Men's Club, Consett, on Thursday, October 31, at 7.30pm, for a performance by the Ronmar Accordion Orchestre from Carlisle. Admission is £1.50, or free for participating musicians. For further details, contact (01207) 506646.

SLIDE SHOW: Local historian Michael Richardson is holding a slide show based on his book, Durham City Remembered: 1935 to 1960, on Monday at 7.30pm in St Giles Parish Centre, Gilesgate, Durham. Copies of the book will be on sale for a £2 discount. Admission costs £2 and includes refreshments.