Every year lost or stolen property worth hundreds of thousands of pounds is recovered by the Police and cannot be returned to its rightful owner simply because it can't be properly identified. The thieves are immune from prosecution and instead get to keep the stolen property.

Often a thief will not steal well-marked property or break into premises where the property is marked because, not only does it increase the likelihood of getting caught, but also it means that they cannot dispose of it.

It is strongly recommended that you make your property unique. Compile a full list of make, model and serial numbers of all equipment &endash; use your postcode and company initials or logo on each item of property.

There are property marking companies that have secure databases that will enable the Police to trace and return the property to the true owner.

Marking can be overt in which the company identity, postcode etc is adhered to, etched or stencilled on to the casing or it can be covert.

Other than tagging (page 19), a range of covert systems is now available, broadly divided into two types.

1. A code is etched directly onto the equipment or chip, attached with powerful adhesive or painted on micro-dots. Any attempts to remove the code will cause irreversible structural damage. The ownership details of each URN are recorded on a National Security Register.

2. Secondly, forensic marking where the chips are given a special coating containing a unique chemical DNA profile (Smart Water).

In cases where a suspect item is located, a scraping of the coating is sent to the forensic laboratory where analysis of a tiny sample can identify exactly where the item originated.

Marking or tagging of property can also form a very important function in asset control and management.

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Where intruders have gained access only to find their target has been protected they may vandalise the equipment. This can cause you as much distress as theft.

Where covert marking is in operation eg. Smart water or micro-dots this fact should be clearly advertised. Warning stickers should be attached to all equipment and appropriately worded signage mounted on external walls and the doors. The fact that the marking is covert means the thief does not know it is there, so unless clearly advertised, it may aid recovery but it will not deter the initial theft