CHILDREN are to spearhead an autumn anti-crime campaign.

Huddersfield crime reduction officer Pc Mark Wall is giving youngsters the chance to win a family day out. All they have to do is mark valuable property with ultraviolet pens.

Postcodes and house numbers should be written on the back of items such as TVs, MP3 players, games consoles, computers, satellite navigation systems and mobile phones.

This means that if they are stolen and then recovered by police officers will be able to trace them back to their owners.

It may also be the vital evidence to link a suspect to the crime.

All suspected stolen property is scanned with a special torch at the police station which will show up the postcode and house number.

Pupils at many nursery, primary and middle schools will be given UV pens, door stickers and entry forms in the coming months.

The scheme is being paid for jointly by Kirklees Police, Crimestoppers and some Kirklees Council area committees.

Pc Wall said: “Police, along with volunteers from the Huddersfield Rural Crime Prevention Panel, will be going into schools that fall into areas which received funding from their area committees to explain the idea to teachers and pupils.

“It’s hoped the children’s enthusiasm will result in many items being marked. They will be encouraged to go home and, with the help of their parents, mark items of property and also at the homes of neighbours and relatives.’’

Pc Wall added: “This campaign could have a far-reaching impact by reducing crime while increasing detections and, ultimately, convictions.’’

The youngsters then fill out a form showing which items have been marked and return it to Pc Wall before the end of the year.

There will then be a draw, with the winner scooping a family day out at Alton Towers leisure park

Thousands of forms are going out and areas taking part are Colne Valley, Denby Dale, Golcar, Heckmondwike, the Holme Valley, Kirkburton, Liversedge, Gomersal, Batley, Birstall, Birkenshaw and Cleckheaton.