Shoppers in Folkestone town centre have taken up an offer to have their valuables security marked at a number of property marking days over Christmas and into the New Year.
 

Hundreds of personal valuables including bikes, MP3 players and mobile phones were marked in the crime reduction drive in the town.

The initiative was organised by neighbourhood officers and representatives from Shepway Community Safety Unit who marked more than 500 items.

Purse chains and crime prevention leaflets advising people how to reduce the risk of being a victim of theft were also handed out during the festive shopping period and parents were offered free wristbands to write their mobile number on and give to their children in case they got separated in crowded areas.

PCSO Supervisor Amy Edwards said: "Many people receive mobile phones or electronics for Christmas and it is important these items are marked with the owner's details. If an item is lost or stolen and then recovered, the police will have a much better chance of returning it to the owner if the item has been security marked."

© Hawkinge Gazette and Channel Coast News 2012