Police stations across the South-West are handing out permanent UV pens and encouraging community members to mark their property to help deter thefts and return stolen items.
The ink goes on clear and can only be seen with the help of a UV light.
South West Community Engagement Senior Constable Neale Horsley encouraged people to use the pen for mobile phones, laptops, computers and TVs.
"The police have a lot of property held at stations and in some cases we can't identify the owner of the property, which can be time consuming for police trying to track down the owners," he said.
"The community is asked to write their drivers licence number on their property, which is the best number because it's unique to them.
"We have to realise that UV pens can't write on anything - we suggest people photograph jewellery and record serial numbers of electronic items and keep it in a safe place.
"We also encourage people to get things that will be out in the weather engraved."
Constable Horsley said people were encouraged to attend their local police station and ask for a UV pen so they could write on their property and start recording items.
"This will help police return property back to the rightful owners, which I think is really important," he said.
"It won't cause damage to the goods and won't impact on warranties."
For more visit www.nhw.wa.gov.au/Resources
