Sheffield Homes’ performance deals a blow for burglars

Sheffield Homes’ tenants have received some extra help against burglars.

 

A free, anti-theft marker pen has been delivered to every council tenant in Sheffield as part of a crime crackdown organised by Sheffield Homes in partnership with South Yorkshire Police.

 

The burglary deterrent was given away with the latest edition of the twice-yearly It’s Your Service newsletter for tenants. The pens were paid for from some of the £200,000 the organisation received as a bonus for its excellent performance on reducing the amount of rent lost on empty properties.

 

Tenants are being urged to use the device to mark up their valuables in an ink that is only visible via a special torch.

 

Chief Superintendent Jon House from South Yorkshire Police said: "Though the majority of our work with Sheffield Homes is aimed at ensuring burglars don’t get into tenants’ homes there are going to be people who are unlucky enough to have property stolen. Marking valuables with this security pen will make it easier to return it to its rightful owner and help us identify the person that committed the crime in the first place."

 

The anti-burglary marker pen pack also contains further theft deterrents, a sticker to attach to windows advising that all property has been security marked, and advice on how to 'beat the bogus caller'.