STUDENTS ARE URGED TO MAKE THEIR MARK

Northumbria police have launched a pilot scheme to safeguard University students against theft or loss of property.

The scheme, which could be extended nationally, involves students marking their personal property with an individual code so that it can be recovered more easily in case of theft or loss.

Students move around such a lot, from halls of residence to rented accommodation that it is impractical to use their post-code and house number. Instead the student will be given a property marking number, which is personal to themselves and the University they attend.

PCs Tom O'Reilly and Keith Williamson who work full time at the University of Sunderland have developed the initiative. PC O'Reilly explained: "Each student will ultra-violet mark their property with a registration number. Each digit number is unique, it will be held by the universities on computer for several years and will be readily available."

All students last year received an ultraviolet marker pen in their Fresher Pack, though stocks will also be made available at the Wearmouth Hall security control room.

For further information on the scheme you can contact PC Tom O'Reilly on (0191) 454 7555 ext 66056

Becky Stefani