STUDENTS across Staffordshire are being urged to register for a national scheme to reunite crime victims with their stolen property.
Staffordshire Police has been running a campaign to coincide with Freshers’ Weeks at colleges and universities to get students to register mobile phones on Immobilise.
The free property registration database can be used by logging on to www.immobilise.com
Detective Sergeant Rachel Joyce, Staffordshire Police’s intelligence manager, said police staff and PCSOs attended freshers’ fairs at South Staffordshire College, at Staffordshire University and Keele University and more than 800 students registered their phones with Immobilise.
She said: “We would encourage everyone to register their property – it’s free and easy to use, all you need is the unique IMEI number off your phone (dial *#06# to bring the number up on your screen), and the serial number of any other items you wish to register.
“The service is free to use, and police can check items recovered from suspected criminals against the national register. This helps to reunite owners with their stolen property, and can also help with police investigations into stolen goods whilst providing potential evidence to support a successful conviction.”
The Stafford Freshers’ Fair also gave one of the force’s new community engagement volunteers her first opportunity to engage with the public. Julie Addison, 18, said: “I volunteered because I would like to join the police force and work within my community.
“I recently finished my public services course at Stafford College and am looking to join the Special Constabulary. In the meantime, I am working at a supermarket, but thought volunteering with Staffordshire Police would be an ideal way to get to know more about the work of the local police and work within my community.”
For more details about volunteering with Staffordshire Police contact Carol Barrs on 01785 232221 or visit www.staffordshire.police.uk/volunteers
