Did you receive an expensive games console, Sat Nav or new bike for Christmas, or maybe bought something valuable in the sales?

If so, it's an ideal time to make your valuables less attractive to thieves by registering your items - free of charge - on the national database www.immobilise.com .

Inspector Neil McMahon, who heads up the campaign for Northamptonshire, said:

“It doesn't take long to register items on the site and could mean that if they were ever stolen and recovered there is a greater chance they could be returned.

“Young people in particular carry around expensive equipment like mobile phones, MP3 players and handheld computer games. All these items can be registered to increase the chances of getting them back if they are stolen.

“We handed out wristbands aimed at young people with the message not to flash their cash, phones or MP3s around and to register them on the Immobilise site.”

Bicycles, jewellery, antiques, mobile phones and electrical equipment are some of the items that can be registered on the free Immobilise database. More than 20,000 homes across Northamptonshire have done just that – why not join them?

If you are registering your mobile phone, enter the IMEI security number – a 15-digit serial number that can be found on a label, usually behind the battery, or displayed by pressing the *#06# keys. The service provider can then stop it being used by anyone else in the event of it being lost or stolen

Protect your property - register now at www.immobilise.com .