This summer has seen the launch of a new property-marking device from Yale. The Alphadot marks each item of property with a personal identification number unique to each pack and invisible to the naked eye.

The product is actively supported by the police and has been developed in conjunction with the Home Office. One pack will cover up to 40 products in the home and the brush applicator makes it simple to use. Only one dot is needed per item and once applied the dot is permanent. The product also comes with a registration card allowing consumers to register their products on a secure police-approved database to help speed up crime investigations and the return of stolen property. The Yale Alphadot system has an RRP of £14.99 per pack.