Campaign to reunite theft victims and their household items being backed by Scunthorpe Telegraph
The Scunthorpe Telegraph has given its support to a police campaign which aims to increase the number of stolen items that are reunited with their owners.
The campaign, led by Humberside Police and Safer Neighbourhoods, will target 600 homes across Scunthorpe, with the aim of recording unique details on valuable items such as serial numbers or mobile phone IMEI codes within a property.
The operation, which is in its second week, has seen officers and Safer Neighbourhoods staff visit around 200 households.
Officers came to the Telegraph to enter details about valuables in the office.
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So far, 45 households have signed up to the scheme.
However, Dougie Anderson, investigating officer for Humberside Police, said this represents a higher percentage of take-up than first appears.
"Although we have visited around 200 homes, a number of them were not at home when we called, others said they would do it themselves, so it represents a lot more than the 20 per cent that it suggests," he said.
"I have received lots of positive feedback from members of the public who said this has given them peace of mind."
Officers also said this would not be an overnight fix but something that would reap the rewards in the long term.
The campaign, that uses special Immobilise software, is set to run until the autumn.
Unique details from electronic items and personal valuables are recorded on to the software and these are the details that can help police trace the goods back to the owner.
Inspector Jayne Broughton, said: "Absolutely anything can go on there, from mobile phones to jewellery.
"One thing I will stress is the importance of recording items because if you don't, the items will remain with the thieves.
"In the long run, if these people are burgled, they will be the ones that will see the results and people will be positive about the campaign and tell other people about it."
Telegraph content editor Robert Rowlands, who entered his phone details into the system, said: "This is a simple way of deterring criminals and I would urge people to get involved."
A spokesman for Humberside Police, said: "It is brilliant for any major organisation to support something like this.
"It provides peace of mind that all the expensive equipment within the office is recorded and will act as a deterrent to potential thieves."
Householders in the target area will have received a letter informing them of the start date of the campaign.
Inspector Broughton urged the householders to contact the Immobilise team on 01724 274271 or visit the website www.getitlogged.com to make an appointment.
Comments
by IT_MAN
Saturday, September 22 2012, 9:42PM
“Maybe the 45 who have used the system have bought all their goods from a legitimate source.
I wonder how many have items bought in pubs or such that could show up up a database of stolen goods or could the police be doing any checks like that after they get the information.”