Problems For Police Returning Stolen Property

Residents need to note serial number to help get items back

Local police have warned people to make a record of serial numbers on phones, electronic equipment and bicycles in case of theft.

The latest police report from Turnham Green ward says that while police regularly recover stolen property, it is often not returned to its rightful owner because they were unable to give serial numbers when reporting the crime.

A police spokesman in Chiswick said; "When property is recovered police search to see if the serial number is listed on our crime records or the National Mobile Property Register. It doesn’t take long to make a record of your serial numbers and can greatly increase the chance of your property being returned to you should the worst happen.

"The immobilise website is a great resource for recording details of your valuables and is supported by many police forces."
Visit www.immobilise.com

- Mobile phones have a unique IMEI number. To find this for your phone, press *#06# on the keypad and write down the long number.
- Other electronic devices usually have a serial number printed on them.
- Bicycles will have a frame number stamped onto the underside. Attend a police bike marking event to make your bike even easier to identify.

Turnham Green Crime Figures - 28/04/14 to 11/05/14
There have been 40 crimes recorded in the fortnight, a 40% decrease on the 67 crimes last fortnight. Burglary - There have been 3 residential and 3 non residential burglaries reported this fortnight.

Theft from motor vehicles - 6 theft from motor vehicle offences have been reported this fortnight.

PC Barry Stingmore Turnham Green Dedicated Ward Officer
Telephone 020 8247 6415 | Email Barry.Stingmore@met.police.uk

Follow Hounslow Police on Twitter: @MPSHounslow

May 23, 2014