Text messaging technology can help find the owners of lost and stolen property. The Possessions Reunited service from UK firm First Point of Contact provides users with stickers, key rings and luggage tags (each containing a unique code) that can be easily attached to high value or sentimental items.

If an item is found, or premise vandalised which contains a firstPOC sticker, members of the public can text a six digit code to First Point of contact (firstPOC). The owner instantly receives a coded text message containing the finder’s mobile number, enabling them to make contact and arrange for the goods to be returned.

Every year the police and organisation such as London Transport receive thousands of items of lost and stolen, often without no way of tracing owners. Possessions Reunited addresses this problem, but it doesn't come cheap. The service costs £39.99 to join, which pays for a starter pack containing stickers and instructions, and a £39.99 annual membership fee. firstPOC expects early adopters will include businesses who'll use it to label laptop, PDAs and other sensitive equipment. ®

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