RESIDENTS in the Middleforth area of Penwortham in Preston were the first ones to benefit from a new police initiative aimed at cracking down on thieves in the area.

As part of a new property marking scheme, all households on Penwortham Hall Gardens off New Lane were this week offered personalised stencils and window stickers to mark up their expensive items.

Police are hoping that permanent and visible signage on property will act as more of a deterrent to criminals than the traditional ultra violet method which has often been ineffective.

And in addition to this personalised marking, officers have also put up brightly coloured street signs to warn potential thieves that they are entering a 'no go' area.

South Ribble's Crime Prevention Officer, PC Lesley Brown said: "Thieves want to dispose of stolen property quickly and easily in order to make a profit. Visible marking prevents this because property marked in this way is identifiable and there is some deterrent to them stealing it."

PC Brown also said that the black market value of a visibly marked up items would be severely affected and that marked property is much more easily traceable.

The new scheme has been partly funded by the Lancashire Partnership Against Crime and South Ribble Borough Council as part of their Crime and Disorder Strategy.

Police are also looking for volunteers to help with the new project.

If you are interested in helping to fight neighbourhood crime, you should contact either Project Co-ordinator PC Tony Solomons on (01772) 209807 or PC Lesley Brown on (01772) 209841.

Pictured are South Ribble Crime Prevention Officer, PC Lesley Brown, Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator, Peter Hornshaw and Special Constable Anne Gillibrand.