Write a commentAs a result of securing funding from the Assets Recovery Incentivisation Scheme (ARIS) South Down Neighbourhood Policing Team are taking steps to reduce burglary with the help of a Property Marking Scheme enabled through local Neighborhood Watch Schemes.
Constable Stewart Finn, South Down NPT, explained: "The property marking scheme provides property marking equipment to members of Neighbourhood Watch Schemes and will encourage householders to take steps to protect their property.
"We were delighted to secure funding from ARIS to make the project possible. ARIS seizes cash and the proceeds of crime and invests this back into schemes which help tackle crime and promote partnership working locally.
"The purpose of marking your property is to make it less attractive to thieves so police can quickly establish that it is stolen, if it is recovered in the possession of someone else. It also makes it more difficult for the thief to sell the property on and increases the chance of your property being returned to you, in the event of a theft.
"We have already started distributing the equipment and over the next few weeks will provide kits to Neighbourhood Watch Schemes in Warrenpoint, Rostrevor, Killowen, Mayobridge, Hilltown and Kilkeel. The feedback from Scheme co-ordinators is that householders feel empowered by being able to protect their own property and are also reassured by the partnership work between police and scheme participants."
If you would like more information on property marking or are interested in starting a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme in your area then contact South Down Neighbourhood Policing Team on 0845 600 8000 or email: NPTSouthDown@psni.pnn.police.uk
