If you've received new electronics or gadgets for Christmas, the last thing you want is for them to be stolen. However, if the worst does happen, there are a few things you can do to increase the chances you are reunited with your property.

Step 1 - UV marking

Police always check any property seized from suspects for UV markings. Police often tell of times when they strongly suspect that the items they have are stolen, but cannot prove it - and without proof, they have to give the property back to the person who they suspect of stealing it! If there's a UV marking on the item that the suspect cannot account for, that goes a long way to ensuring they are prosecuted and you get your property back. You can buy UV pens from most stationers, or your local Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator should have a supply. Our local PSCOs also often carry a supply to hand out at street briefings.

The recommended marking is to use your house name or number followed by the postcode e.g. 75 RG2 7TG. If you move frequently (e.g. students), you could use another marking (such as an unusual surname if you have one). Any marking is better than none.

Even the best UV markers can fade or rub off over time, so try to choose somewhere that will not be handled regularly, but will be easily seen when checking with a UV lamp. Try to leave the ink to dry fully for an hour after marking, and consider making a second marking inside the battery compartment, just in case.

Step 2 - Register your property

Immobilise.com is a free service, endorsed by Police and the Home Office, that allows you to register all manner of property such as mobile phones, cameras, television, and computers. The data you provide is entered into the National Mobile Property Register, which is used by Police to try and identify property they suspect of being stolen. In 2007, around one in every five searches made by Police on the NMPR resulted in a match, and it will soon be linked directly to the Police National Computer. You can provide descriptions, serial numbers, and photographs of your property, all of which helps increase the chances of your property being identified in the event of theft, and the thieves brought to justice.

Step 3 - Spread the word

Please forward this advice on to friends and colleagues, who have almost certainly had something nice from Santa this Christmas too!