Equipment

Whether the equipment is used on the farm, in the stables or in the office or home - if it can be carried away, secure it!

One of the options is to make equipment "less attractive" by uniquely marking it in some way - marking with a postcode is the best unique method known.

Uniquely marking with a reference number or postcode is internationally accepted method or rendering property identifyable to the Police.

Some companies offer unique coding systems which can be used on all equipment, vehicles, personal property and animals, which are recorded on a computer database.

If you have any type of firearm, you will be well aware of the Law for secure storage - if not, check on your certificate. If you have to transport a firearm in a vehicle, make sure that all security precautions are taken. Check out our Firearms Security leaflet for more information.

Example of postcoding -

YO11 7AD = Northway, Scarborough

Should you move, add two "x" marks to the property code

XYO11 7ADX

Photographs, Engraving and UV Pens

Photographs and descriptions assist in recovering stolen goods. If a photo of a horse or pony ensure that you take regular photos so that any additional markings are noticeable, i.e. in their winter or summer coat; from the front, rear and side.

Photographing tack and saddles is also helpful in the recovery of stolen goods especially if they are "specialized" in design. A photograph can be used to advertise to other Horse Watch Schemes and other websites to ensure full coverage across the Country if items are stolen.

Check out our "leaflets" page for examples on how to ensure that your property is secure.

Ceramic Markers and UV Pens

Ceramic or Titanium pens can be bought from specialist stores. Marks have the appearance of faint pencil marks and cannot be removed without damaging the ceramic surface.

UV pens are available from many DIY stores and certain supermarkets - these are best used on personal property, i.e. computers, laptops, tvs (though not on the glass screen!).

The mark is invisible until viewed under an ultra-violet lamp which most Safer Neighbourhood Officers now carry as part of their equipment. Any porous material will accept ultra-violet ink as well as some plastics, leather and unglazed pottery.

Exposure to sunlight can lessen the effectiveness of a UV pen so in that instance, it would be necessary to repeat the marking process every 6 months to ensure maximum security.

Branding

Branding with soldering irons or welding equipment is very effective, especially on horseboxes, trailers, caravans, generators and other hard-wearing machinery.

Generalized Recording

Keeping an inventory of property may be time-consuming but can be invaluable in the long term. An accurate description and correct name of items along with makers' names, numbers and individual serial numbers is a "must".

Once a year, "take stock" to confirm that all property is still in place as this can identify any losses.