The National Police Property Register NMPR

visit the NMPR website

Providing Intelligence and attribution for all property types, phones, crypto IDs, smart devices, power tools, bicycles, machinery.

• Report my loss
  • Public real-time lost property reporting
• Immobilise
  • Public property registration service
• Check Mend
  • Public ^ Trade checking of mobile devices & Property.

Property marking

Secure Asset Register

Bike Register

Bike trackers

• see bottom of page¹

Marking your items may enable tracing of ownership.

Burglary

Home safety is covered in another section of our site. Also, the Met Police provides a large amount of home protection advice. We suggest how to find the best gadgets to protect your home.

Theft

Theft in the street or public busy places is common. Sadly, thieves search crowded areas during rush hour. They snatch your phone when you least expect it.

Thieves can access your online banking as long as the device is registered. Remove immediately when stolen.

Jewellery / Asian Gold

• Keep your jewellery safe
  • secure it with the National Pawnbrokers Association (NPA). link
  • to find our more about safe storage scheme facilities available with NPA members.
  • or consider a security and fire rated wall or floor safe. These are insurance rated according to the value of the items placed within.
  • never leave your jewellery on display. bedrooms and bathrooms is where thieves will look first.
• Help police identify stolen jewellery
  • photograph each piece of valuable gold or jewellery
  • keep a written description and get a valuation from your insurance company
  • make your valuable less attractive to thieves by using a police approved forensic solution only visible under UV light.
  • For more advice visit https://met.police.uk you can also have a live chat there, call 101. In emergency always 999.

• It is essential to instal a burglar alarm, some can be connected to a panic button
• In Tower Hamlets many properties are not permitted to have Ring Door bells, ask your landlord for further information.
• You may instal a home internal CCTV system – follow regulations
• Any alarms or CCTV should be installed by a professional NSI or SSAIB installer.
• see also our home security page

Parcel theft

• Do not allow tailgating: Only allow access to people you know or expect.
• Secure entrance doors at all times. Report any faulty locks to your building management immediately.
• Track your deliveries. Be present or have a trusted neighbour accept parcels on your behalf when possible.
• Consider using parcel lockers, click & collect, or alternative secure delivery options.
• Report suspicious activity to police via 101 (non-emergency) or 999 (in case of a crime in progress).

Pickpockets

Stay, alert, be aware of your surroundings and ensure purses and bags are kept closed and secure at all times.

Dos

• Do keep purses and bags closed and secure at all times
• Do carry bags in front of you or diagonally across your chest
• Do return cards to your purse or wallet quickly and zip it up or button it
• Do use a purse that’s difficult to open. One that zips or snaps shut is best, and keep it closed
• Do use a money belt if you are carrying a significant quantity of cash
• Do conceal your wallet in a buttoned or zipped pocket where it doesn’t bulge
• Do keep a list, separate from your wallet and phone, of contact numbers of family in case your phone is stolen (also of your bank)

Don’ts

• Don’t hang stuff on the back of a chair
• Don’t leave anything on the back of a pushchair
• Don’t place your belongings out of sight on the floor.

flap closing bags

See Met Police advice on personal safety

Mobile phones

Criminals often use bikes and mopeds to snatch mobile phones from people

• Be aware of your surroundings
  • if you need to call or use our phone on the street, look out for anyone on a bike or a moped near you
  • don’t text while you’re walking – you won’t notice what’s going on around you
  • if that’s not possible, stand away from the roadside, close to a building or wall, so no one can come up behind you
  • go hands free if you can
• Use security features on your phone
  • you must switch on your phone’s security features to protect your phone
  • use the keypad lock so that thieves cannot immediately access your phone or use the biometric authentication if your phone has it (finger print or facial recognition)
  • your phone may have other security features you can use – these could allow you to wipe data, lock your handset, or prevent a thief from restoring a phone to its factory setting from another internet device
  • consider installing an anti-theft app. These can be an effective way of helping police trace your phone and identify the thief
• Know how to identify your phone if it’s stolen
  • every phone has an IMEI number, which helps police and insurance companies to identify it if it’s stolen. UK network operators can also stop a stolen phone from working across their networks with its IMEI
  • find your IMEI number by dialling *#06# from your phone and keep a written note of it
  • if the phone is stolen, report the number to your mobile provider to stop it being used
  • register your valuables on an accredited property database.

Remembers never confront a thief or risk your own safety for the sake of your mobile phone.

Cars

Catalytic Converters

Precious metals inside the catalytic converters make them attractive to thieves. Make yours harder to steal.

• contact your vehicle dealership about fitting an aftermarket product, approved by the vehicle manufacturer, to prevent your converter being removed
• depending on the make and model, they can advise on the best way to secure it (a clamp or guard)
• etching it with a serial number can help police track it and reduce opportunities for thieves to sell it
• You should also register your converter and mark it with a forensic marker, which will make it harder for thieves to dispose of.
• Visit Secured by Design or Sold Secure Gold for more details.
• consider installing a Thatcham approved alarm that activates if your vehicle is lifted or tilted
• if you can, park your vehicle in a locked garage or well-lit street as close to your home as possible
• If you have a driveway, think about installing CCTV and dusk to dawn lighting covering the area

• Watch out for thieves
  • people carrying metal cutters, car jacks or metal from an exhaust pipe
  • people ducking underneath cars
  • if you see suspicious behaviour call 999 immediately

Tools and Equipment

Theft of items from professional thieves of tools is a growing trend. Not even midwives and nurses are safe from this.

Met Police give advice on vehicle safety.

Stolen tools and equipment might get sold at car boot sales. Other outlets might also sell them. They do not check on the origin of articles sold.

Traders demand action on sales security. May 2024

Tradesmen and women demanding an end to a tool theft epidemic will descend on Westminster in their vans for a mass rally on Monday. Workers are calling for stricter enforcement of existing laws and a crackdown on the resale of stolen items at car boot sales and markets.

Police have recovered large amounts of stolen tools. They can’t trace the owner because the tools have not been marked. The recovered goods get handed to charities.

Shop theft

There are local and national Business and Retail crime prevention schemes available. See our post

Met Police advice on

• Business Crime Prevention

• Schemes for businesses to prevent crime

Handling stolen goods

it is a crime

buying or handling stolen goods contributes to anti social behaviour in your neighbourhood.

Don’t be tempted – reject and report stolen goods.

Report crime online at https://police.uk or by dialling 101. In the case of an emergency, always dial 999.

Report anonymously at https://crimestoppers-uk.org

1. Secured by Design Bike Tracker
   **Secured by Design Bike Tracker**
   
   “Secured by Design” (SBD) is an official police security initiative in the UK that accredits security products, including bike trackers, to reduce crime. Bike trackers with SBD accreditation are recognized for meeting high security standards, making them effective tools for protecting bicycles from theft. Below is an overview of SBD-approved bike trackers, their features, and why they are valuable for bike security, based on available information.
   
   **What is a Secured by Design Bike Tracker?**
   – **Definition**: A bike tracker is a GPS, GSM, Bluetooth, or RF-based device that monitors a bicycle’s location in real-time, often with anti-theft features like motion alerts and tamper-proof designs. SBD accreditation ensures the tracker meets police-preferred security standards, increasing its reliability and effectiveness.
   – **Purpose**: These trackers help locate stolen bikes, deter thieves, and assist police in recovery efforts by providing accurate location data and robust security features.
   
   **Example of an SBD-Approved Bike Tracker**
   – **BikeTrac**:
   – **Overview**: While primarily known for motorcycles, BikeTrac offers GPS/RF trackers that can be adapted for bicycles, particularly e-bikes. It is SBD-accredited and has a proven track record, having helped recover over 750 vehicles (mostly motorcycles) in eight years.[](https://www.securedbydesign.com/about-us/news/motorcycle-tracking-system-company-biketrac-helps-recover-750-bikes-and-receives-accreditation-from-secured-by-design)
   – **Features**:
   – Uses GPS, GPRS, and RF technology for real-time tracking, even in challenging environments like garages, lock-ups, or shipping containers.
   – Provides journey history and alerts for unauthorized movements.
   – Thatcham Cat 6 and Cat 7 ratings, ensuring high security standards.
   – Works with a 24/7 secure operating centre (SOC) for monitoring and police coordination.
   – **Why SBD-Approved?**: BikeTrac’s accreditation stems from its robust design, police collaboration, and effectiveness in recovery, making it a trusted choice for high-value bikes.
   
   **Key Features of SBD-Approved Bike Trackers**
   – **Real-Time Tracking**: Utilize GPS, GSM, or RF for precise location updates, often accessible via smartphone apps.
   – **Discreet Installation**: Many trackers, like BikeFinder or Sherlock, are hidden in handlebars, frames, or bottle cage mounts to avoid detection by thieves.[](https://thebestbikelock.com/bike-gps-tracker/)[](https://bikefinder.com/en/)
   – **Anti-Theft Alerts**: Motion, shock, or geofencing alerts notify owners instantly of suspicious activity. For example, Invoxia’s Bike Tracker sends alerts for movement or vandalism.[](https://www.invoxia.com/en-EU/product/bike-tracker)
   – **Tamper-Proof Design**: Secure mounting with special tools (e.g., BikeFinder’s expansion mechanism) or tamper-proof screws (e.g., Knog Scout) prevents removal.[](https://www.knog.com/products/scout)[](https://bikefinder.com/en/)
   – **Long Battery Life**: Devices like Cycloop offer up to 12 months of battery life, reducing maintenance needs.[](https://www.cyclingweekly.com/group-tests/find-your-stolen-bike-with-a-gps-tracker-165579)
   – **Police Collaboration**: SBD accreditation ensures trackers provide reliable data that police can act on, as seen with BikeTrac’s established police relationships.[](https://www.securedbydesign.com/about-us/news/motorcycle-tracking-system-company-biketrac-helps-recover-750-bikes-and-receives-accreditation-from-secured-by-design)
   – **Waterproofing**: High IP ratings (e.g., IP65 or IP67) ensure durability in adverse weather, critical for bikes left outdoors.[](https://www.cyclingnews.com/features/best-bike-gps-trackers/)
   
   **Benefits of Choosing an SBD-Approved Bike Tracker**
   – **Police Recognition**: SBD accreditation means the tracker is trusted by UK police, increasing the likelihood of recovery. Police prioritize reliable tracker data, as noted with BikeTrac’s quick response times (some recoveries in under 30 minutes).[](https://www.securedbydesign.com/about-us/news/motorcycle-tracking-system-company-biketrac-helps-recover-750-bikes-and-receives-accreditation-from-secured-by-design)
   – **Theft Deterrence**: Visible trackers (e.g., Boomerang Cyclotrac) or database registration labels deter thieves, who avoid bikes that can be traced.[](https://thebestbikelock.com/bike-gps-tracker/)
   – **Recovery Success**: Trackers like Invoxia report a 52% recovery rate for equipped bikes, compared to a 5% national average in France.[](https://www.invoxia.com/product/bike-tracker)
   – **Peace of Mind**: Real-time tracking and alerts allow owners to act quickly, as seen in user testimonials recovering bikes within hours using Invoxia or PAJ GPS trackers.[](https://www.invoxia.com/en-EU/product/bike-tracker)[](https://www.paj-gps.co.uk/gps-tracker-for-bicycle/)
   – **Insurance Benefits**: Some insurers offer discounts for SBD-approved security devices, reducing costs for high-value e-bikes.
   
   **Considerations When Choosing an SBD-Approved Bike Tracker**
   – **Subscription Costs**: Many trackers (e.g., BikeFinder, BikeTrac) require subscriptions for network connectivity (e.g., £2.99/month for BikeFinder, annual fees for Cycloop). Ensure costs align with your budget.[](https://www.e-bikeshop.co.uk/products/bikefinder-gps-tracker-for-electric-bikes)[](https://www.cyclingweekly.com/group-tests/find-your-stolen-bike-with-a-gps-tracker-165579)
   – **Installation**: Hidden trackers (e.g., in handlebars) are harder for thieves to spot but may require professional fitting, especially for e-bikes.[](https://www.e-bikeshop.co.uk/products/bikefinder-gps-tracker-for-electric-bikes)
   – **Compatibility**: Check if the tracker fits your bike’s specifications (e.g., handlebar diameter for BikeFinder, 15-27mm).[](https://bikefinder.com/en/)
   – **Battery Maintenance**: Long battery life is ideal, but some devices (e.g., Knog Scout) need recharging every 2-6 months, which may be inconvenient if the bike is stored outdoors.[](https://www.cyclingweekly.com/group-tests/find-your-stolen-bike-with-a-gps-tracker-165579)
   – **Visibility vs. Discretion**: Visible trackers deter thieves but are easier to remove, while hidden ones (e.g., Sherlock) are harder to detect but may not deter theft upfront.[](https://thebestbikelock.com/bike-gps-tracker/)
   – **Coverage**: Ensure the tracker works in your region and abroad if you travel. BikeTrac and BikeFinder offer global coverage with eSIMs.[](https://www.securedbydesign.com/about-us/news/motorcycle-tracking-system-company-biketrac-helps-recover-750-bikes-and-receives-accreditation-from-secured-by-design)[](https://bikefinder.com/en/)
   
   **Critical Perspective**
   While SBD accreditation ensures quality, bike trackers are not foolproof. Professional thieves may use signal jammers or quickly remove visible trackers, as noted with devices like the Guardian bike light. Hidden trackers (e.g., BikeFinder, Sherlock) are more secure but rely on battery life and network coverage, which can be disrupted in areas with poor signal or reinforced structures. Additionally, the niche status of bike trackers suggests they haven’t fully overcome technological or cost barriers for widespread adoption. Combining a tracker with a strong SBD-approved lock and secure storage (e.g., Cyclepods’ Lockerpod+) maximizes protection.[](https://www.cyclist.co.uk/buying-guides/buyers-guide-gps-bike-trackers)[](https://thebestbikelock.com/bike-gps-tracker/)[](https://thebestbikelock.com/bike-gps-tracker/)
   
   **Recommendations**
   – **For High-Value E-Bikes**: Consider BikeTrac or BikeFinder for their SBD accreditation, discreet installation, and global coverage. BikeTrac’s RF technology is particularly effective in challenging environments.[](https://www.securedbydesign.com/about-us/news/motorcycle-tracking-system-company-biketrac-helps-recover-750-bikes-and-receives-accreditation-from-secured-by-design)[](https://bikefinder.com/en/)
   – **For Budget-Conscious Cyclists**: Knog Scout or Apple AirTag mounts offer affordable tracking via Apple’s Find My network, though they lack SBD accreditation and rely on Bluetooth proximity.[](https://www.knog.com/products/scout)
   – **Complementary Security**: Pair the tracker with an SBD-approved lock (e.g., Sold Secure Diamond-rated) and register your bike on an SBD-recognized database to deter thieves and aid recovery.[](https://www.securedbydesign.com/guidance/crime-prevention-advice/bike-security)
   – **Check Compatibility**: Verify the tracker’s fit and network coverage for your bike and region. For e-bikes, ensure motor-specific trackers (e.g., PowUnity BikeTrax for Bosch) are used.[](https://powunity.com/en/product/e-bike-gps-tracker)
   
   **Where to Learn More**
   – Visit **www.securedbydesign.com** for a list of SBD-accredited bike security products and member companies.[](https://www.securedbydesign.com/guidance/crime-prevention-advice/bike-security)
   – For BikeTrac details, check **biketrac.co.uk**.[](https://www.securedbydesign.com/about-us/news/motorcycle-tracking-system-company-biketrac-helps-recover-750-bikes-and-receives-accreditation-from-secured-by-design)
   – Explore retailer sites like **e-bikeshop.co.uk** or **invoxia.com** for specific tracker models and reviews.[](https://www.e-bikeshop.co.uk/products/bikefinder-gps-tracker-for-electric-bikes)[](https://www.invoxia.com/en-EU/product/bike-tracker)
   
   If you need help selecting a specific SBD-approved tracker for your bike or want details on installation, let me know your bike type and budget!
   Source
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