If you are unfortunate enough to be a victim of theft, marking your possessions is the best way to ensure it can be returned.
All of these measures help the police identify stolen goods, making it harder for thieves to sell them.
Forensic asset marking
Asset marking involves using a police approved forensic marking solution, which is only visible under Ultraviolet (UV) light.
This can take the form of a special marker using ink or paint. Mark or etch your property with your postcode, house or flat number or the first three letters of your address.
There are also several products available that provide markings visible to forensic analysis. The way they work is that they are clear liquids that can be applied to many different items, including jewellery too small to have a UV postcode written on it. This liquid holds a tiny unique ID registered to you. These products include the ability to register your details and items marked on a database that the police can access.
The Met Police have a scheme called Met Trace, using the product Smartwater, which they have given out in response to public interest or in areas of specific burglary concerns.
Check Property & Asset Registration products at
Securing Your Bike
Bicycles are an easy target for theft, but there are plenty of services out there. Ensure your bike is marked and registered. See “Met Police guide to bike safety” for more information.
Record Your Assets
Register your property for free on Immobilise – it helps the police identify the owners of recovered property. You can register anything that has a serial number with Immobilise.
Take photographs and keep documents like receipts related to your property so you can prove ownership.