MALCOLM the Mobile is Lancaster police's latest weapon in the battle against telephone theft.

Malcolm will be promoting a police campaign informing people how to keep their property - especially mobile phones - safe.

Crime prevention officers will be attending local markets and fun days in both Morecambe and Lancaster.

Mobile phone suppliers will provide a 'mobile phone safety pack' with detailed advice on crime prevention and will also offer the chance to mark mobiles with the owner's postcode.

Mobile phones can also be marked at Lancaster police station and officers will carry ultra-violet lights to examine the phones if members of the public who are 'stop checked.'

Marking sessions for all pupils and staff will take place at all local secondary schools in coming weeks.