CRIME fighting technology designed to help people protect their personal property has arrived in Ryedale.
Dot peen property marking involves using a tungsten carbide-tipped pin to indent an object with dots to create a visible, permanent unique number.
The unique number is entered onto a property register database, vastly increasing the chances that it will be reunited with its owner if it is lost or stolen.
A new dot peen machine is now available to the Ryedale Neighbourhood Policing Team, and North Yorkshire Police’s Rural Taskforce, having been part-funded by Ryedale District Council.
It can mark at a speed of two characters per second, to an accuracy of 0.006mm, and can be used on everything from steel and aluminium to plastic.
It is particularly effective on high-value, portable items such as power tools, horse equipment and bikes.
The service is now available to Ryedale residents and businesses for free, and people are encouraged to contact the local Neighbourhood Policing Team, or the Rural Taskforce, to discuss their requirements.
Inspector Martin Dennison, of North Yorkshire Police, said: “Ryedale is an extremely safe place, but we do know that over the summer holidays burglars will be on the look-out for empty homes and unattended outbuildings.
“Marking your valuable property is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself from being a victim of theft or burglary. Criminals will spot the engraving and realise the item will be too difficult to sell on.
“Dot peen machines have been used very successful in York and Harrogate, so this is a great opportunity for people in Ryedale to protect their property and help us fight crime.”
Cllr Luke Ives, of Ryedale District Council, added: “This is a really simple system that acts as a deterrent as well as helping to re-unite people with their property should that be needed. It’s important that we can support the police on issues like this, giving practical help for people in our area.”
For more information, email the Neighbourhood Policing Team via ryedalepropertymarking@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk, call into a local police station, or visit northyorkshire.police.uk/whatisdotpeen
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