New device to combat thieves

The ‘Dot Peen’ machine will be used to mark property which can then easily be traced back to its owner if stolen in a burglary.

It can be used to mark property such as tools, saddles and items of tack, laptops and mobile phones.

The machines are already utilised by North Yorkshire Police, who have had great success in marking tens of thousands of items including power tools, bikes, golf clubs, saddles – and even musical instruments.

All too often there is no way of identifying the rightful owners of recovered property and being able to trace the owner not only helps people get their property back, but it can also provide vital evidence in securing convictions.

Dot Peen marking involves using a tungsten carbide-tipped pin to indent an object with dots to create a visible, permanent unique number. The unique number will be entered onto the national Immobilise property register database, vastly increasing the chances that it will be reunited with its owner if it is lost or stolen.

Inspector Phil Morris, from Cleveland Police, said: “The new machine is going to be an excellent tool in our fight against crime and in getting stolen property back to its rightful owners. Travelling criminals should now beware that we are using this equipment and are working together to target criminals who are moving between the borders of Cleveland and North Yorkshire in order to commit crime.”

Upcoming dates of drop-in marking sessions are expected to be held.